Fact-based politics, Evidence-based medicine and Humanism-based society – Manulal M Inasu writes on esSENSE Global


“Essense Global has remained steadfast in its commitment to critiquing all forms of religious belief and political dogma. Unlike other groups that may single out specific religions for critique while ignoring others, Essense Global treats all religions equally, whether it be Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, or any other belief system.”

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Essense Global is an influential freethinking movement that has emerged as a leading voice for rationalism, humanism, and atheism in Kerala, India. Unlike earlier rationalist movements, which were often tied to political parties, Essense Global stands out for its independence from any political or religious affiliations. Historically, rationalism in Kerala was closely linked with left-wing political movements, which had co-opted the rationalist agenda to serve its own political purposes. In contrast, Essense Global has created a space for independent thought that is guided by scientific evidence, free from the influence of any political group.

The freethinking movement in Kerala gained significant traction around 2010, when social media platforms such as Blogspot and Facebook provided a new space for people to share ideas and connect. This allowed individuals who were disillusioned with the political co-opting of rationalism to come together and form a truly independent freethinking movement. With social media breaking down barriers, this movement was able to grow without being tied to any political ideology, bringing together individuals committed to science, atheism, and humanism.

Essense Global was born out of this wave of independent thinking, and it quickly became a leading organization advocating for fact-based politics, evidence-based medicine, and humanistic values. Central to the philosophy of Essense Global is a critique of all forms of superstition and religious belief, which they see as detrimental to human progress. Unlike many organizations that claim to be secular or progressive but still align with certain religious or caste-based ideologies, Essense Global maintains a strict policy of neutrality. Their decisions are based solely on facts and evidence, without bias toward any political or religious group.

The name “Essense” itself is a clever play on the word “essence,” referring to the search for the core or fundamental truth of existence. However, Essense Global diverges from the traditional notion of “essence” by embracing the idea that the universe has no inherent purpose or single cause. Instead, they believe in multiple causes across time, with evolution being a key example of how complex systems arise naturally. This is in direct contrast to the concept of a single creator or essence that defines the universe, a belief held by many religions and philosophical systems. This intellectual foundation is a driving force behind Essense Global’s critique of religious doctrines and its promotion of atheism as a rational alternative.

At the heart of Essense Global is Mr. Ravichandran C., a scholar, speaker, and author who has been a key figure in shaping the movement. Known for his intellectual rigor and clear reasoning, Ravichandran is deeply appreciated for his approach to engaging with critics. He consistently focuses on ideas rather than personal attacks, and he is known for addressing genuine criticism with reasoned arguments while ignoring those who resort to ad hominem attacks. This integrity in discourse has helped Essense Global build a reputation for intellectual honesty and open debate.

One of the core principles of Essense Global is the importance of individual freedom. The organization believes that true human happiness is rooted in personal freedom and that society should aim to minimize suffering and maximize freedom for all individuals. This belief informs their critique of both religious and political systems that seek to control or limit individual freedom. Essense Global is unique in that it does not align itself with any political party, caste, or religion. Their decisions are made independently, guided by facts and evidence, even when those facts may be uncomfortable or challenging to accepted norms.

One of the most significant issues Essense Global has addressed is the caste-based reservation system in India. While many in Kerala’s intellectual and political circles support caste-based reservations as a way to address historical injustices, Essense Global argues that the system perpetuates caste divisions rather than dismantling them. They believe that continuing to allocate resources and opportunities based on caste reinforces the very divisions it aims to eliminate. Instead, they advocate for policies that focus on individual needs, such as economic hardship or personal circumstances, rather than caste.

This stance on reservations has sparked considerable debate and controversy, particularly from groups that support caste-based reservations as part of a broader social justice agenda. These groups have been critical of Essense Global, often accusing them of being aligned with right-wing ideologies, despite the fact that Essense Global critiques all political parties and ideologies equally. These accusations have been compounded by the group’s refusal to give preferential treatment to any religion, including Islam, which in Kerala constitutes a significant portion of the population.

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Essense Global has remained steadfast in its commitment to critiquing all forms of religious belief and political dogma. Unlike other groups that may single out specific religions for critique while ignoring others, Essense Global treats all religions equally, whether it be Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, or any other belief system. Their goal is to promote a society based on reason and humanism, free from the divisive influence of religious and political ideologies.

Despite facing significant criticism, particularly from groups that disagree with their stance on issues like caste and religion, Essense Global has continued to grow in influence. One of their key achievements has been the establishment of Litmus, the world’s largest atheist convention, which they have organized annually since 2018. Litmus serves as a platform for freethinkers, atheists, and humanists to come together, share ideas, and engage in open debate. It has attracted tens of thousands of participants from around the world and has become a beacon for those who believe in evidence-based thinking and secular humanism.

The upcoming Litmus 2024 event, set to be held on October 12th in Calicut, Kerala, is expected to draw even larger crowds and continue the tradition of open, fact-based discourse. With prominent speakers and thinkers from around the world, Litmus 2024 will focus on a wide range of topics, from atheism and humanism to science, politics, and philosophy. The event is a celebration of free thought and a testament to the growing influence of Essense Global, not just in Kerala, but across India and beyond.
Essense Global has faced significant challenges along the way, including cyberbullying, hate campaigns, and attempts to discredit their work. Despite these efforts to undermine them, Essense Global has never wavered in its commitment to its core principles. They have refused to dilute their views or compromise on their commitment to fact-based reasoning, even when faced with intense opposition. In an era when religious and political extremism is on the rise, Essense Global’s insistence on intellectual integrity and free thought is more important than ever.

The movement’s ability to rise above petty disputes and personal attacks is one of its defining characteristics. While some groups have resorted to labeling and personal attacks in an attempt to discredit Essense Global, the organization has stayed focused on the ideas that matter. They have consistently refused to engage in personal attacks and have instead emphasized reasoned debate and the importance of discussing ideas rather than individuals.

This focus on intellectual integrity is one of the reasons Essense Global has been able to attract such a large and growing following. As more people become disillusioned with the divisive nature of religious and political ideologies, they are turning to organizations like Essense Global that promote free thought, individual freedom, and rational discourse. Essense Global’s critique of religion, superstition, and political dogma resonates with those who seek a more evidence-based, humanistic approach to life.
Essense Global’s journey is a testament to the power of independent thinking and the importance of standing up for one’s principles, even in the face of opposition. The movement continues to challenge deeply ingrained societal norms, questioning the role of religion and politics in shaping people’s lives. Through their events, writings, and public discussions, they have created a platform where people can engage with ideas that might otherwise be taboo in mainstream discourse.

In a world increasingly dominated by ideological battles, Essense Global offers a refreshing alternative. Their commitment to individual freedom, scientific inquiry, and humanistic values provides a vision for a society that transcends religious and political divisions. By focusing on what is real, verifiable, and evidence-based, Essense Global is helping to build a world where individuals are free to think for themselves, free from the constraints of dogma and superstition.

For those who value free speech, intellectual honesty, and the pursuit of knowledge, Essense Global and their upcoming event, Litmus 2024, represent a vital opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals and explore ideas that challenge conventional wisdom. Supporting Essense Global means supporting a movement that is dedicated to creating a world where reason prevails over ideology, where science and humanism guide public discourse, and where personal freedom is valued above all else.

‘The World’s biggest Atheist Meet’ on Oct 12, 2024(8.30am-6.30pm) at Calicut Trade Centre, Sarovaram Bio Park Road, Kozhikkodu, Kerala, India.
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