SPEECH

I would like to see the disappearance of superstitions followed by my people. Superstitions cause many problems in the world. They lead to horrible wars, loss of many lives, and other issues. I would like to see these superstitions vanish. Prior to 18th century, religion which supported superstitions and succeeded in brainwashing people in the name of God. The Christian religion followed in Europe approved a man as a king of the state by telling people that the king was chosen by God himself. Like this the king exercised a lot of power, with the help of military. By believing in this single superstition the people ceded a lot of power to these stupid kings. Kings exploited their power and military to conquer more and more territories, which eventually led to two world wars. In their pursuit of new territories, they left behind loss of lives, money, and machinery. They destroyed many cities, created barren lands and even destroyed the families of many soldiers and citizens.

Nowadays Europe became enlightened. Though countries like Denmark still have a system of monarchy, the power of king has significantly reduced—to almost zero. But in India, even though it is formally called a democracy, people and citizens still believe in lot of superstitions. I am afraid that these may fester and create civil war like those happening in some unfortunate parts of the world. It may even lead to deep economic depletion of our country and create instability in society.

To prevent such a future, we must actively challenge superstitions and promote critical thinking. Education is crucial to break free from these harmful beliefs and build a more peaceful and prosperous India.

by

Jaya Prakash Sirikonda

Class IX

Written in March 2024