The Great Tantra Challenge
- The Great Tantra Challenge
"The Great Tantra Challenge" was the challenge put forward to Surinder Sharma, a tantrik, by Sanal Edamaruku, the president of Rationalist International to kill him on live TV using only the magical powers he claims to possess.[ [http://www.rationalistinternational.net/article/2008/20080310/en_1.html The Great Tantra Challenge] , Rationalist Internal, accessed on 2008-6-12.] ]The event was broadcast live on India TV in March 2008.
Background
After a politician made accusations that her opponents were using Tantra to hurt her, Indian TV put together a panel to discuss "Tantric Power versus Science". Sanal Edamaruku was invited to represent the science side while Surinder Sharma, who is a well known tantric, was invited to represent the other side. At one point in the discussion Sharma claimed he could use his powers to kill people, which Edamaruku turned into a challenge, offering himself as a test subject[ [http://www.npr.org/blogs/bryantpark/2008/04/india_tvs_great_tantra_challen.html India TV's Great Tantra Challenge - with an interview with Sanal and videos of the event] , National Public Radio website, accessed on 2008-6-12.] .] Outcome
After failing in his initial attempt, Surinder agreed to try again during the night (the initial panel session was during the day). The event, dubbed "The Great Tantra Challenge", was highly publicized and received a high number of viewers. After trying various techniques such as chanting and burning dolls, Surinder had to give up and the tantric's reputation was dealt a blow. Controversy
Believers in Tantra analyze the whole episode as pre-planned and hoax to boost new television channel ratings and promote Rationalist International. There seems to be many loopholes in the episode like credibility of 'Pandit Surinder Sharma'. He was advertised as 'India's most powerful tantrik'. He does not has any web presence, he has not been seen on any TV channels. Tantrik was reciting 'life giving' mantras instead of life taking mantras. You can visit below mentioned blog( serial number 3) for details.[ [http://sathyasaibaba.wordpress.com/2008/08/02/great-tantra-challenge-hoax-rationalist-international-india-tv-sanal-edamaruku/ ‘Great Tantra Challenge’ Hoax? Rationalist International, India TV & Sanal Edamaruku.] .] References
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