Shyam Manav
Indian rationalist and author (born 1951)
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Shyam Manav (born 9 September 1951) is an Indian rationalist and social reformer who leads the Akhil Bharatiya Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (ABANS) organization that fights superstitions.[1][2] He established ABANS in 1982 along with other rationalist activists from India. He also runs his YouTube channel, where he discusses issues such as rationality, superstitions, and personality development.[3] Manav was a major force behind the Anti-Superstition and Black Magic Act enacted by the Indian state of Maharashtra, which he helped draft as well.[4][5]
Shyam Manav | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | 9 September 1951 |
| Known for | Founder of Akhil Bharatiya Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (ABANS) |
| YouTube information | |
| Genre | Rationalism |
| Subscribers | 544 thousand |
| Views | 64.6 million |
| Last updated: 4 August 2026 | |
| Website | shyammanav |
Career
Shyam Manav completed his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Master of Arts (M.A) in English Literature after which he worked as a lecturer of English Literature.[6]
He also worked as a journalist for various Nagpur-based newspapers such as Tarun Bharat, Nagpur Patrika and Lokmat for a few years.[6]
In 1982, he formed Akhil Bharatiya Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (ABANS) to counter superstitions spread by various con-men masquerading as religious gurus.[7][8]
In January 2022, he challenged Dhirendra Shastri, a religious guru who made headlines over his "miraculous cures".[9]
Assassination attempts
However, his activism has not been welcomed by some groups who have issued threats to him, including threats to his life.[10][11]