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.

In the rural Kanpur Dehat district of Uttar Pradesh, there exists Arjak Sangh, a humanist organisation which practises atheism and rationalism while being staunch critics of casteism especially Brahmanism. All the members of the organisation are avowed atheists who proudly declare their existence in an 'aware' society.

The office of the Arjak Sangh in Kanpur Dehat. | Source: Indian Express

In Uttar Pradesh there are thousands of followers of Arjak Sangh spread across rural and urban areas of Kanpur, Basti, Faizabad, Pratapgarh, Varanasi and in neighbouring states of Bihar and Jharkhand.

The organisation was founded by a prominent humanist and rationalist, Ramswaroop Verma, (1923-98) who had worked tirelessly against casteism and social inequality all his life. Thus the members of the organisation swear by the 32-page handbook written by him. He was also the finance minister of Uttar Pradesh in 1967.

The word 'Arjak' translates to a community engaged in physical labour, and hence, those born Brahmin or in other 'upper castes' are not allowed to become members.

“I would reason that no evidence, in terms of the tools of Ram’s times, has been found [to support his existence], but they would not listen,” said Suresh Babu Katiyar, a 66 year member who was a former college teacher as reported in the exclusive report by Indian Express.

Another member named Vishram Swaroop Katiyar openly admits that the Indian Constitution is the only religion he follows. Instead of 'religious' festivals like Diwali or Dusshera, the organisation celebrates Republic Day on January 26, Chetna Diwas on Dr Ambedkar’s birth anniversary on April 14, Science Day on November 1 (Maharaj Singh’s birthday). The marriages are devoid of any religious rituals and customs with just an oath and a sign on paper with four people as witnesses.