Comment by Sentient Biped on December 11, 2012 at 9:39am

A loss, belatedly noted.

Ajita Kamal was a member of Nexus.  He was active in the atheist movement in India as well.  His Nexus group, Naturalism, still has 304 members.  His death was announced in Jan 2012, in India.  He was 33 years old.  I've done several web searches.  The cause of death was never determined, as far as I can tell on the internet.  He may have been murdered, or in an accident or altercation.  "Incident" is how the death is described.  His body was found in Tamil Nadu, in India.  He founded Nirmukta, a freethought / secular humanism group in India.  Kamal was an evolutionary biologist and musician.  

 

This is old news to some.   I was reminded of Mr. Kamal's passing when I saw in the sidebar that his group is still active. So Kamal's influence lives on.

As start for this group, which is intended to mark occasions both joyous and solemn, Kamal's passing is a thoughtful way to begin.

This year, of course, the freethought community lost Christopher Hitchens as well. Kamal was far less famous, but his activism is an example for us.

Comment by The Flying Atheist on December 11, 2012 at 10:33am

Thank you for inviting me to join this group.  I believe this is an important area of discussion that directly affects all of as atheists, agnostics and freethinkers, especially since so many life changing events in our lives traditionally often have religious overtones. 

I'm very saddened to see the news about Ajita Kamal.  What a horrible and unnecessary loss of a young life.  Perhaps forming this group will be just one way to celebrate his life and to honor his short life. 

Comment by Sentient Biped on December 11, 2012 at 6:44pm

Thanks all for joining the group.  All groups take a while to get off the ground.  If you are talking with anyone who wants to make note of any event or passage, please encourage them to join and post.  Sharing these events will help us build a sense of community.

There were several things that prompted me to realize this group is needed.  I am remiss if I don't include one here, my own event.  This is me and my partner, Ning, getting married today in Vancouver Washington. 

Comment by The Flying Atheist on December 11, 2012 at 7:23pm

DANIEL!  CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU BOTH!!  I couldn't be happier for you.  How proud, and validated, you both must feel.  I'd like to say more to express my feelings, but I actually feel a bit speechless with elation for you.  Big hug to you guys!  :)   --Carl 

Comment by Russell Pangborn on December 12, 2012 at 7:09am

Thanks for doing this Sentient. There should be a way of sharing good times and bad times with the community.  For me I am going to Quebec City this weekend to celebrate my 33rd wedding anniversary.  (An atheist and a devout Christian made it last by being tolerant of each others views)

A few years ago I blindsided my wife with an appearance by Zorro (one of her fantasies) and recently posted this video of the event.  Her reaction is priceless.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tz7eByjva6k

Comment by The Flying Atheist on December 12, 2012 at 9:16am

GREAT video, Russell.  No wonder you're celebrating 33 years together.  What a classy act.  Your wife is a lucky lady.  You get a gold star in my book! 

Comment by Sentient Biped on December 12, 2012 at 2:50pm

Russell, congrats and my admiration!  You are right, your wife's reaction made the Zorro getup a great present!  Thank you for posting!  33 years down, 33 years to go......  when that is up, you probably wont be up to climbing ladders, but I hope you will still be enjoying one another's company!

Comment by Joan Denoo on December 12, 2012 at 3:16pm

Daniel and Ning, I just now opened your announcement and I am so happy for you both and my great desire for you is to have a happy, healthy, joyous, interesting, loving, and long marriage together. I am drinking a glass of my Concord grape juice in honor of your celebration.

Comment by Joan Denoo on December 12, 2012 at 3:23pm

Russell, you make life so much fun! How can she resist you, just the way you are.

Comment by Tony Carroll on December 12, 2012 at 4:36pm

Daniel, I'm so happy for you and Ning. What glorious news to see waiting for me when I came online. This is from George Elliott:

What greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are
      joined for life - to strengthen each other in all labor, to rest on each
      other in all sorrow, to minister to each other in all pain, to be one with
      each other in silent, unspeakable memories at the moment of the last parting.

May you have a long and happy life and marriage together. Again, congratulations.

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