“It’s a devil of a problem, people are exploited”

Speaking to DTNext, Ku Ramakrishnan, General Secretary, Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam states that fear, fondness for something or someone and seeking vengeance are the three factors that drive people to go in search of black magic. 

“In Kerala, manthirigam is famous whereas in Tamil Nadu black magic is more famous. It is mainly the poor people and people from lower strata who are mostly vulnerable to the superstitious beliefs. Amongst them, women are the most affected as they think that their stress could be relieved only by people who practice black magic,” he says. 

Alleging that black magicians exploit the illiteracy of people, he feels that only scientific knowledge can solve the problem.

“Often, when poor children fall ill, they are first taken to nearby temples or to black magicians. Only when the situation goes beyond their control they rush to a doctor,” he adds.  Ramakrishnan also feels that satellite television channels are exploiting people by showing more of sorcery-centric serials. 

“Because of these serials many women watching them believe that black magic exists in reality. Earlier, movies were made on Gods and on the power of an Amman, but now more of ghost and magic films are taken and people too like them. Scientific awareness alone can make people realise that all this is fake and they should adapt scientific practices,” he adds. 

Arul Mozhi, a lawyer feels that short term benefits drive people towards black magic. “People who are ready to sacrifice a child or a woman to fulfill their desires will be ready to go to any extent. Fake gems and numerology too are driving people towards superstitious beliefs. To overcome these, people should be exposed to rational thinking,” he says.