The Liberal Hindu needs to stand up to the Fundamentalist Hindu

Godman and multimillionaire Asaram Bapu, who had earlier been accused of murder, is now accused of sexual harassment:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Teenager-accuses-godman-Asaram-Bapu-of-sexual-harassment-in-Jodhpur-hostel/Article1-1110760.aspx

Meanwhile, a rationalist who fought against superstition, black magic, and inhuman rituals has been shot dead:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/Maharashtra-honours-Dabholkar-brings-in-bill-he-fought-for/Article1-1110855.aspx

Considering that fundamentalist hindu organizations had openly been attacking the rationalist, the finger of suspicion points towards a killing that is on the lines of Gandhi's killing by Godse. From the HT article:
Outside the legislature, Dabholkar and his legislation have witnessed even more vehement opposition — from right-wing groups who claim it targets Hinduism. While hardline organisations like the Hindu Jan Jagruti Samiti and Sanatan Sanstha have openly declaimed the bill as anti-Hindu since its inception, the Warkari sect from the Bhakti movement joined their ranks two years ago, terming it an attempt to defame the Hindu religion.

The saffron combine has also steadfastly opposed the bill, and the state’s ruling alliance had slow-motioned its progress fearing a backlash from the majority community.

In my opinion, the need of the hour is for liberal hindus to take a stand against fundamentalist hindus. It is unfortunate that fundamentalist hindus are better organized and better funded which is why even though they are in a minority they are able to play havoc with Indian democracy.

Those 'intellectuals' who incite hatred for rationalists are also in my opinion indirectly responsible for the death of Dr Dabholkar.

Rashmun wrote:Godman and multimillionaire Asaram Bapu, who had earlier been accused of murder, is now accused of sexual harassment:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Teenager-accuses-godman-Asaram-Bapu-of-sexual-harassment-in-Jodhpur-hostel/Article1-1110760.aspx

Meanwhile, a rationalist who fought against superstition, black magic, and inhuman rituals has been shot dead:
http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/Maharashtra-honours-Dabholkar-brings-in-bill-he-fought-for/Article1-1110855.aspx

Considering that fundamentalist hindu organizations had openly been attacking the rationalist, the finger of suspicion points towards a killing that is on the lines of Gandhi's killing by Godse. From the HT article:
Outside the legislature, Dabholkar and his legislation have witnessed even more vehement opposition — from right-wing groups who claim it targets Hinduism. While hardline organisations like the Hindu Jan Jagruti Samiti and Sanatan Sanstha have openly declaimed the bill as anti-Hindu since its inception, the Warkari sect from the Bhakti movement joined their ranks two years ago, terming it an attempt to defame the Hindu religion.

The saffron combine has also steadfastly opposed the bill, and the state’s ruling alliance had slow-motioned its progress fearing a backlash from the majority community.

In my opinion, the need of the hour is for liberal hindus to take a stand against fundamentalist hindus. It is unfortunate that fundamentalist hindus are better organized and better funded which is why even though they are in a minority they are able to play havoc with Indian democracy.

Dabholkar's son Hamid, who is named after the progressive Muslim thinker and rationalist Hamid Dalwai, is a doctor and a social worker. Dabholkar's wife Shaila and daughter Mukta supported him throughout his mission.

After his primary and secondary education at New English School, Satara, Dabholkar went to Willingdon College in Sangli before joining Medical College, Miraj, from where he got his MBBS degree. In college, he was the captain of the Shivaji University kabaddi team and represented India against Bangladesh in a kabaddi tournament. He won nine gold medals in various national and international kabaddi tournaments.

Dabholkar practised as a general practitioner for nearly 12 years, after which he became active in social work. His first accomplishment in the field was the "One village, one drinking water well" movement with veteran activist Baba Adhav. Dabholkar and Adhav began an agitation across the state, demanding that wells be dug for Dalits in the villages.

Dabholkar was also the founder-member of a de-addiction centre, Parivartan, in Satara. This is the only institute of its kind serving the districts of Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur and Konkan.

He also edited the Marathi weekly 'Sadhana', which was started by the freedom-fighter and social worker Sane Guruji.

In 1983 Dabholkar started working for the eradication of superstition. In 1989, along with other like-minded people, he founded the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti (committee for the eradication of blind faith).

Over the last two decades, Dabholkar actively participated in all major socio-political agitations in Maharashtra, including the movement against atrocities on Dalits, caste discrimination and the naming of Marathwada University after Dr B R Ambedkar. He wrote books on various aspects of superstitions and their eradication, and addressed over 3,000 public meetings and rallies to enlighten people.

Dabholkar took up causes by the score and had a busy schedule almost every day. On Tuesday morning, he was to address a press conference about holding an eco-friendly Ganesh festival. But fate deemed otherwise.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-08-21/india/41432328_1_satara-eradication-kabaddi