Maharashtra is considered as the Land of Saints and Social Reformers. The traditions of Saints which started from Saint Dnyaneshwar in 13th Century has reached upto the 20th Century Saints like Saint Gadage Baba, Saint Tukadoji Maharaj. Maharashtra has also got the same rich tradition of 150 years of Social Reformers, starting from Lokahitavadi to Prabodhanakar Thackaray. Both of these traditions made efforts to pull out the Indian people from the mud of undesirable customs, traditions, outdated practices and superstitions. While examining the Religion critically and for the benefit of the society, these saints opposed the exploitation and ritualism in it. They promoted Logical Rationalism, Reformism, Scientific Temper  and Humanism.  This thought is known in Maharashtra, as, Phule -  Shahu -  Ambedkar tradition of thought.

Despite such a long tradition of awakening, the Charlatanry and Superstitions are flourishing in Maharashtra with great pace.

With this background, Martyr Dr. Narendra Dabholkar established Maharashtra Andhshraddha Nirmulan Samiti on 9th August, 1989.

Mission Statement of Maharashtra Andhshraddha Nirmulan Samiti

Prime goal of MANS is to create an Exploitation-free Society based on the Constitutional Values of Equality, Fraternity and Social Justice and to change the mindset of the people. This goal will be achieved through: -

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• Eradication of superstitions, spreading, canvassing and adopting sustainable moral values on the basis of rationality and Scientific Temperament.  

• While respecting Constitutional right of faith, insistance for right of living a God-Religion-neutral and rational moral life and right to examine human behaviour, traditions, practices, customs and faith.

• Insistance for, Secular, Equality based and humanitarian behaviour  and for equality among male-female, higher-lower, poor-rich, going beyond caste, Religion, gender and race based traditional discrimination. 

• Opposing the hatred and injustice and Supporting the policy which gives proper justice and right to live with honour to oppressed and poor people of the Society.  

• Adopting Dignity of Labour and Environment-friendly life-style and denying the Consumerism and taking responsibility of protecting enriching the earth and the bio-diversity on it. 

• While taking stand in the Republic System in line with the Indian Constitution, unite and activate the rational thought and developing responsible citizenship for creating a healthy democracy. 

 MANS is committed to achieve all the above goals by creating a value based moral society, through brainstorming, awareness and constructive actions. 

To be successful in this mission, the Organisation has created Five Principles (Panch-sutree)     for its work and thought.

1. To oppose the superstitions which involve exploitation, cheating and are misleading.

2. To propogate, spread and follow Scientific Temperament.

3. To examine the Religion firmly, critically but constructively, corresponding to the Time.

4. To activate the heritage of Saints and Social reformers and values of the Constitution.

5. To join hands with the movement of comprehensive social reforms.

These Five Principles are the foundation of Organisation’s thought and work.