Rationalist Debashis (born July 7), is the General Secretary of Rationalists’ and Humanists' Forum of India.
He is the author of a number of Bengali language and English language books disputing supernatural claims and on human rights. He also exposed several so-called miracles. He has been featured in many Television programs including The Guru Busters by Channel 4, BBC, India Diaries: Is it real? by the National Geographic, The secret swami by the BBC , Religion and Ethics By the BBC Radio and many others. A "vociferous debunker",[3] he has "crusad[ed] against soothsayers and godmen in India" and survived "at least 15 attempts" on his life.
A short Biography of Debashis
editDebashis Chatterjee, the son of Ashok Chatterjee and Indrani Chatterjee lost his father at a very early age of two. He spent his childhood in Kolkata with his mother, maternal grand parents and uncle. Growing up in a god-fearing family, Debashis had keen interest in gods and godmen. As a child he spent hours with these religious people. As a result, he learnt magic and all the other tricks these godmen practiced, at a very young age. He also started performing magic at a very early age of 5. Debashis meet Prabir Ghosh the then general secretary of Science and Rationalists' Association of India, at the age of 12. Prabir Ghosh instilled in him, the interest in sociology and in the power of political motivation behind all human endeavors. He grew up have keen interest in politics and developed excellent oratorical skill.
In his school days itself he started writing in premier Bengali and English magazines and dailies. An avid reader, his interests include anthropology, archeology, history, psychology, sociology and of course, politics. As a result, his understanding of the human mind as an individual and the social human being as a species is vast. With this knowledge of the human mind, his keen sense of politics gives him an insight and a rare understanding of all human problems.
In his books and write-ups, topics like psychology, history, sociology and politics are discussed by way of story-telling in such lucid language that one never loses interest. And the special point of view, which is the trademark of Debashis, never fails to hit the readers’mind. Prabir Ghosh made him realize the importance of “Rationalism” as a school of thought which should be systematically developed . That motivated Debashis to establish Science and Rationalists' Association of India, Bangalore Branch. Once the Rationalists’ Association was established, he had to face severe animosity from various groups of spirituals and Godmen. An immensely courageous and upright person, he faces all attacks , with the help of his keen intellect, understanding and the worldwide network of support and goodwill which he enjoys.
Debashis was the joint secretary and later vice president of Science and Rationalists’ Association of India . On 1st March 2011, Debashis founded Rationalists’ and Humanists’ Forum of India and is the General Secretary of the organisation since then.
Challenge of Rupees 25lakhs
editOn behalf of the Rationalists' and Humanists' Forum of India, Debashis currently offers INरू25 lakhs "to anyone who claims to possess supernatural power of any kind and proves the same without restoring (sic) to any trick in the location specified by Debashis.