Basava Premanand Dies – Deathbed Declaration

Basava Premanand Dies – Deathbed Declaration

Helena Petrovna Blavatsky:
“Science regards man as an aggregation of atoms temporarily united by a mysterious force called the life-principle. To the materialist the only difference between a living and a dead body is, that in the one case that force is active, in the other latent. When it is extinct or entirely latent, the molecules obey a superior attraction, which draws them asunder and scatters them through space. This dispersion must be death, if it is possible to conceive such a thing as death where the very molecules of the dead body manifest an intense vital energy.”

Basava Premanand (a vocal atheist, rationalist, skeptic and caustic critic of Sathya Sai Baba), died of cancer on October 4th 2009 at the Abhirami Hospital in Coimbatore, South India. He was 80 years old.

On the nirmukta.com domain, the following text was published and released by Narendra Nayak as Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License (which allows this blog to reproduce text and relevant images) under the title “Premanand in Abhirami Hospital, Coimbatore”:

Attribution Noncommercial License For B Premanand Article

Narendra Nayak:
Premanand’s health has been failing for quite some time. The metastases from his carcinoma of the stomach had been growing for quite some time and it was only a matter time before his health was seriously affected. Last week this happened and he had to be hospitalized. All his vital organs have been affected, particularly the liver and kidneys. However, his brain and his ideology are still intact and we wanted the world to know about it and make a declaration on his behalf that it remains so.

So, Somu and I went to Podanur on the 20th September and then on to the Abirami hospital where he had been admitted. He was quite drowsy and not responding to queries until I told him that there was a rumour that he has started believing in god and supernatural powers. He opened his eyes and said who says that? And that was the clear indication that however ill he may be, he continues to hold on to his convictions! He said that is nonsense. So, I told him that we should say so to the world and he agreed. The statement reproduced herein was put for his signature. But, his hands were weak and hence we had to take his thumb impression too. The declaration has been witnessed by Dr. Maya Prabhu his sister and Suneera one of his admirers who has been taking care of him.

Our movement is not based on individuals but those who are in the forefront are ever in the public eye and particularly in sights of those who want to attack us. They would like to spread rumors that eminent rationalists have changed on their death bed, have gone back to god and spiritualism etc. We do not want to give any occasion for such rumors and hence though it may sound morbid I had to complete his task. I would like the same to be done to me when I am on my death bed so that all can know that we hold on to our convictions whatever the circumstances may be.

This short report is a bulletin on the health of one of those who have inspired a whole generation and have done significant work to build up the movement. As and when news is received I shall make more such communications.

TO WHOMEVER IT MAY CONCERN

Declaration of attitude and temperament

I, B. Premanand s/o late Sri Basava Prabhu, 80 years of age resident Chettipalayam Road, Podanur, sound of mind though suffering from physical complications caused by metastases in many organs caused by carcinoma of the stomach herein solemnly wish to place on record the following:

I have been closely associated with the rationalist movement from 1975 onwards and have been a rationalist of full conviction since then and continue to be so.

It is common for the purveyors of superstitions and such anti rational forces to start spreading rumors about rationalists turning to god and other supernatural forces at the end of their lives and becoming devotees of gods and god men of various types.

It is also claimed that at times of crises that we staunch rationalists through the major part of our lives, turn to spiritualism and religion.

I wish to clarify that as on today the twentieth of September, 2009 I remain a staunch rationalist and wish to place on record the following:

1. I continue to be a rationalist of full conviction.
2. I do not believe in any supernatural power. All the powers that we encounter are in the realm of nature and nothing exists beyond that.
3. I do not believe in the existence of the soul or rebirth.
4. I have not turned to any religion, god or any sort of spiritual pursuits.
5. When I pass away I shall be leaving only my body which is to be donated to a medical college and no spirit or soul to cause problems for the living.

I want to convey to all that the struggle against the exploitation by god men and so called supernatural forces is a long and hard one but the ultimate victory will be ours.

My very survival has been a challenge to astrologers and their so called “science” of astrology, as they had all predicted that I would die soon after birth and refused to cast a horoscope for me.

I wish to convey to my colleagues of the rationalist movement to continue the work that I have been doing with renewed vigor and that will be the best of tributes for me.

Abhirami Hospital
Podanur
(B. Premanand)
Witnessed by: Dr. Maya Prabhu and Suneera

Observations About Premanand’s “Deathbed Declaration”:

Basava Premanand On September 20th 2009

First and foremost, the “deathbed declaration” attributed to Basava Premanand was NOT authored by him. The “deathbed declaration” was written for Premanand by Indian Rationalists who got him to scribble his signature on it when he was:

1. Actively dying of metastasized cancer.
2. Drifting in and out of consciousness.
3. Barely able to speak.
4. In a hospital.
5. Jaundiced.
6. Unable to write due to weakness.
7. Too weak to sit up in bed.
8. “On his deathbed” (as described by nirmukta.com).

Consequently, Basava Premanand was not “sound of mind” on September 20th 2009 when he scribbled his signature on the “deathbed declaration” (which he did not author as falsely stated in the letter). Basava Premanand’s signature was obtained with assistance and the signature was so illegible, a thumbprint had to be used. It is also significant to note that Basava Premanand had very poor vision and could not read without his glasses on. Premanand scribbled on the letter without his glasses and did not look at the place where he was signing (as confirmed by the picture above), which resulted in a completely illegible “signature” (see enlarged signature below):

Deceptive Basava Premanand Deathbed Declaration

Did Basava Premanand’s Stomach Cancer Spread To His Brain?

Nirmukta Interview With Premanand January 2009

In an interview between Narenda Nayak and Basava Premanand in January 2009, Premanand said “I am not able to think and put my thoughts in writing as I am feeling some difficulty in that.” Needless to say, stomach cancer by itself does not affect one’s ability to “think” or “write”. The only time stomach cancer would affect one’s ability to “think” or “write” is when it has spread (metastasized) to the brain. Nirmukta.com published that Basava Premanand’s cancer had metastasized (spread to other parts of his body) and the “deathbed declaration” similary stated there were “metastases in many organs”. Basava Premanand himself stated in January 2009 (eight months before the dubiously penned “deathbed declaration”) that he was not able to put his thoughts into writing (which strongly suggests brain metastases). Consequently, how exactly did Basava Premanand write a deathbed declaration claiming he was “sound of mind” when he was unable to put his thoughts into writing since January 2009?

What motive could there possibly be behind the dubiously penned “deathbed declaration” that was drafted by Indian Rationalists and presented to Basava Premanand when he was actively dying and drifting in and out of consciousness?

Basava Premanand’s Ties To Psychic Medium Conny Larsson:

It would appear that Indian Rationalists attempted to counter information that strongly suggests Basava Premanand may have entertained beliefs in the paranormal.

It is an irrefutable fact that Basava Premanand published an Anti-Sai-Baba book in 2005 for Psychic Medium & Trance Channeler Conny Larsson entitled “Behind The Mask Of The Clown”. Basava Premanand even published material about Conny Larsson in his Indian Skeptic magazine (Reference) and sent copies of Conny Larsson’s book to various high-ranking Indian officials and his rationalist subscribers (as he did with other books criticizing Sathya Sai Baba).

Ex-Devotees State Basava Premanand Published Conny Larsson’s Book

Even Ex-Devotee’s solicited Psychic Medium Conny Larsson’s book, which was published by Basava Premanand. About Conny Larsson’s book, the screencap above states: “Available from B. Premanand 11/7. Chettipalayam Road. Podnadur -641 023. Tamil Nadu (India) SS$18. -Euro 15. -Sterling 11 – free postage.”

The Indian Sceptic confirmed that Basava Premanand published Conny Larsson’s book:

Indian Sceptic: “Behind the Mask of the Clown, published by B Premanand in English, is available from The Garden Bookshop, Ozankoy, and the news agent’s at the top of Girne high street at a cost of 20YTL.” (Indian Sceptic Reference)

After defecting from the Sathya Sai Baba movement in 1999, Conny Larsson quickly began soliciting himself as a Meditation Guru, Vedic Master and Mantra Initiator. By the years 2003 – 2004, Conny Larsson started peddling himself as a New Age Guru, Trance Channel, Spirit Medium, Séance Conductor, Crystal Power Promoter, Aura Cleanser, Chakra Aligner and self-professed Prophet and channel for the spirit of Maharishi Vyasa. Conny Larsson also associates himself with other Psychics, Channelers, Mediums, Angel Visionaries, Guru Devotees and New Age Healers on his official domains: vedicmasterclass.org and heartandsoulexpo.com.

Basava Premanand (who claimed he thoroughly researched his output) published an Anti-Sai-Baba book for Conny Larsson, a self-professed Psychic Medium. Basava Premanand believed in, endorsed, published and widely solicited Conny Larsson’s Anti-Sai-Baba book. Isn’t it strange that a skeptic and atheist would vouch for the integrity, honesty and credibility of a man who claimed to be a psychic trance medium?

Gerald Joe Moreno sent the Indian Sceptic an email on Sep 24, 2008 with a link to his article entitled “Basava Premanand Endorses Psychic Trance Medium Conny Larsson”. It is interesting to note:

1. Basava Premanand never once criticized Psychic Medium Conny Larsson.
2. Basava Premanand never once made any type of retractions about Psychic Medium Conny Larsson.
3. Basava Premanand never once discussed why he published a book for a self-professed psychic medium.
4. Basava Premanand adamantly refused to denounce Conny Larsson as a fraud.
5. To Date: Not even one of Basava Premanand’s atheist, skeptic or rationalist associates has come forward to denounce Psychic Medium Conny Larsson (strongly suggesting a cover-up). What do Premanand’s associates have to hide?

Therefore, it would appear that Basava Premanand may have entertained beliefs in the paranormal abilities of alleged psychic mediums and trance channelers like Conny Larsson. Shocking!

Perhaps Indian Rationalists can get Psychic Medium Conny Larsson to “channel” the spirit of Basava Premanand for them? After all, Basava Premanand was willing to put his reputation on the line to support Multi-Millionaire Conny Larsson’s alleged integrity and credibility. Why are Basava Premanand’s atheist, skeptic and rationalist associates mum & playing dumb on this issue?