I read about the Indian Rationalist Association - precursor to the Rationalist International organization - recently in the Greg Egan sci-fi novel Teranesia - not a great sci-fi novel, but it had an interesting take on this group. These guys are aggressively atheist, on a kind of mission to combat the sometimes-harmful superstitious beliefs and "miracles" that are very common in India religious culture. Fascinating group - Edamaruku is their current president. The RI includes among its members Dr. Leakey and Dr. Dawkins.
Slashdot Mirror
I read about the Indian Rationalist Association - precursor to the Rationalist International organization - recently in the Greg Egan sci-fi novel Teranesia - not a great sci-fi novel, but it had an interesting take on this group. These guys are aggressively atheist, on a kind of mission to combat the sometimes-harmful superstitious beliefs and "miracles" that are very common in India religious culture. Fascinating group - Edamaruku is their current president. The RI includes among its members Dr. Leakey and Dr. Dawkins.
My favorite is their nickname - "Guru Busters"
Wiki on the IRA
Rationalist International Webpage