• Sanjose A Thomas

Kerala, a state renowned for its progressive values and high literacy rates, is witnessing a disturbing trend. The influence of sorcerers and astrologers, often masquerading as spiritual guides, is on the rise, with a devastating impact on all people especially on women and children. We hear about human sacrifice, poisoning, murder and similar forms of atrocities committed under the instigation of an astrologer or sorcerer. These individuals, claiming to possess mystical powers, are exploiting vulnerable individuals, promoting crimes that are both heinous and heart-breaking. In recent years, Kerala has seen a surge in crimes involving women and children, including human trafficking, child abuse, murder and domestic violence. Sorcerers and astrologers have been linked to these crimes, using their supposed mystical powers to manipulate and control their victims. Sorcerers and astrologers in Kerala often operate under the guise of spirituality, claiming to offer solutions to life’s problems, from health issues to financial woes. They use various tactics to lure victims, including:

1. Fear and superstition: Preying on people’s deep-seated fears and superstitions, sorcerers and astrologers create an aura of mystique around themselves.
2. False promises: They make false promises of guaranteed solutions, often using persuasive language and manipulated testimonials.
3. Emotional manipulation: Sorcerers and astrologers exploit their victims’ emotional vulnerabilities, using tactics like gaslighting and emotional blackmail.

Women and children are disproportionately affected by the rise of sorcerers and astrologers in Kerala. Many vulnerable individuals are often lured into situations that promise spiritual guidance or solutions to their problems, only to find themselves trapped in a web of exploitation. Sorcerers and astrologers often target people who are seeking solutions to domestic problems, health issues, or financial woes. They are exploited, manipulated, and often forced into situations that compromise their safety and dignity. Children are also vulnerable to the tactics of sorcerers and astrologers. They are often lured into situations that promise spiritual guidance or protection, only to find themselves subjected to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. The consequences of falling prey to these sorcerers and astrologers can be devastating. Victims often suffer physical, emotional, and psychological trauma, which can have long-lasting effects on their lives. The following factors have contributed to the rising influence of sorcerers and astrologers:

1. Lack of scientific temper: Despite high literacy rates, many Keralites lack a scientific temper, making them vulnerable to superstition and pseudoscience.
2. Cultural and social factors: Kerala’s rich cultural heritage, including its traditions and customs, can sometimes create an environment conducive to superstition and exploitation.
3. Economic instability: Economic instability and uncertainty can drive people to seek solace in false promises and quick fixes.
4. Role of Media and Movies: Our movies and our media platforms now glorify those things like astrology, directional fixation or vasthu, beliefs in superstitious forces etc. as normal and as easy strategies to achieve something or to become rich.

As Kerala navigates this dark landscape, it is essential to acknowledge the complexity of the issue and the need for a collective response. By promoting scientific temper, strengthening education, engaging with communities, enforcing laws, and supporting victims, Kerala can reclaim its progressive values and protect its citizens, particularly women and children, from the clutches of sorcerers and astrologers. An attempt should be made on an urgent basis to promote scientific temper and in encouraging critical thinking, scientific literacy, and scepticism that can help people make informed decisions and in strengthening education emphasizing critical thinking, media literacy, and emotional intelligence.

Moreover, it is essential that Kerala society recognizes the deep-seated social and economic factors that contribute to crime. The state’s burgeoning population, coupled with rising income inequality and social unrest, has created a fertile ground for criminal activity to flourish. By addressing these underlying issues through sustained investments in education, job creation, and social welfare programs, Kerala can hope to reduce the allure of crime for its most vulnerable citizens. In the words of the legendary Malayalam poet, Vallathol Narayana Menon, “The future is not a destiny, but a choice.” As Kerala stands at the crossroads of history, it is up to its people to choose a path that is guided by wisdom, compassion, and a deep commitment to the values of justice, equality, and freedom with responsibility.