Customs and Traditions Suppress Reason, Leading to Obscurantism – Do You Agree?
Introduction
Customs and traditions serve as repositories of cultural heritage, ensuring social cohesion and continuity. However, when rigidly followed without adaptation to changing times, they can suppress reason and foster obscurantism (resistance to rational and scientific thinking).
How Customs and Traditions Suppress Reason and Lead to Obscurantism
1. Opposition to Scientific Temper
- Superstitions and blind faith (e.g., belief in astrology over scientific medical treatments).
- Resistance to modern scientific advancements (e.g., vaccine hesitancy during COVID-19).
2. Gender Discrimination
- Sati practice (abolished in 1829) and restrictions on women’s mobility in conservative societies.
- Menstrual taboos preventing women from entering temples (e.g., Sabarimala temple entry debate).
3. Caste-Based Exclusion
- Manual scavenging and untouchability, despite being legally banned (Article 17).
- Khap panchayats opposing inter-caste marriages through honor killings.
4. Resistance to Social Reforms
- Child marriage persists in rural areas despite the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2006).
- Opposition to Uniform Civil Code (UCC) due to rigid adherence to religious personal laws.
Counter-Argument: Customs as a Source of Social Order and Identity
1. Cultural Continuity and Social Stability
- Festivals and rituals promote social bonding (e.g., Holi, Pongal, Eid, Christmas).
- Traditional medicine (Ayurveda, Unani) complements modern healthcare.
2. Evolution of Traditions with Rationality
- Abolition of Sati, Widow Remarriage Act (1856), and Hindu Code Bills (1955-56) reflect adaptive traditions.
- Reformist movements (e.g., Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Periyar’s Self-Respect Movement) have challenged regressive customs.
Conclusion
While some customs foster regressive thinking, others preserve cultural heritage. A balance between tradition and reason is essential for a progressive yet culturally rooted society. Constitutional values (Article 51A(h) – development of scientific temper) must guide reforms, ensuring traditions evolve without leading to obscurantism.
