India is a nation where religion and faith play one of the most decisive roles in social, political and cultural matters of the people. But, there are many who do not endorse affiliation to any religion nor do they validate the existence of a supernatural power (read God). In the recently released Census 2011, over 28 lakh people said that they followed none of the six religions listed in Census form.

The members of the organisation have been propagating their ideology with street plays, newspapers and conventions. They claim they garnered substantial support from many quarters including children who now come up with uncomfortable questions regarding religion. But many, according to the members, are still closet atheists and agnostics who do not openly endorse their ideology fearing backlash from the society.

The concept of atheism or agnosticism is not new to India. There have been many rationalists and social activists who have openly spoken against religion and caste system. From social reformers like Periyar and Baba Amte to numerous artists and writers like Amartya Sen, Khushwant Singh and Kamal Hassan, all have openly endorsed their atheistic affiliations.

All of them have therefore also received brickbats, criticisms and attacks from the majoritarian religious societal pressures of India. The brutal attacks on renowned rationalist and anti superstition activist Dr Narendra Dhabolkar and legendary Kannada writer MM Kalburgi which led to their deaths are some examples of religion's extreme negative hold in India.

University Community for Democracy and Equality (UCDE) member protest against the killing of Former Vice-Chancellor of Hampi University MM Kalburgi who was shot dead at his Kalyanagar residence by unidentfied gunmen, in Mumbai | Source: PTI