Haridwar, Jan. 29:
In a heartbreaking incident highlighting the dangerous consequences of superstition, a seven-year-old boy suffering from blood cancer lost his life here. The child’s parents, driven by misguided beliefs and the hope for a miraculous cure, immersed him in the icy waters of the Ganga River, ultimately leading to his demise.
The family, hailing from Delhi, embarked on their journey to Haridwar in the pursuit of an alternative cure for the cancer-stricken boy. The tragic incident unfolded as a disturbing video captured the parents and the child’s aunt chanting prayers while submerging the young boy in the frigid river. Onlookers grew alarmed as the child remained underwater for 15 minutes, prompting them to intervene. Despite pleas from concerned bystanders, the family persisted until forceful intervention brought the boy to the surface. Rushed to a nearby hospital, medical professionals declared him dead upon arrival.
Haridwar City Police Chief Swantantra Kumar revealed that the family had sought the Ganga’s healing powers after doctors in a reputed Delhi hospital had given up on the child’s treatment. “We are receiving reports from the Delhi hospital. At this point, it appears that they brought the boy here because they believed that “Ganga Snan” would cure him,” stated Kumar.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by superstitions and the urgent need for society to embrace a scientific temperament. Experts emphasize the importance of dispelling irrational beliefs, promoting education, and seeking evidence-based solutions to prevent such devastating outcomes. As the community grapples with the loss of a young life, advocates call for increased awareness to protect vulnerable individuals from falling prey to superstitions that can prove fatal.
The Government must utilize mass media to provide information about adhering to scientific methods while seeking cures to ailments. People should develop critical thinking, trust empirical evidence, and avoid tall claims by charlatans and quacks. It’s important to note that one must not equate religiosity with being superstitious. One can be very religious and spiritual and yet have a rational and scientific temperament. When the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ son Ibrahim died at the time of the solar eclipse, people started saying that it was because of the death of Ibrahim. The Prophet ﷺ said, “The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of the death of someone from the people but they are two signs among the signs of Allah.”
However, the process of overcoming superstitions is gradual, and individuals may need time and support to let go of deeply ingrained beliefs. Patience, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach are crucial in helping people transition toward a more rational and evidence-based worldview.