The controversial "Good without God" campaign by Humanist Canada, which has evoked criticism from several church groups across the country, has been welcomed by progressive people within the Indo-Canadian community.

Although South Asians are largely considered a religiously conservative group, Indian rationalists have expressed their solidarity with Humanist Canada after Translink refused to display their advertisement on Sea Buses.

Humanist Canada has launched a campaign to make people aware that there may be no such thing as God, and instead, suggests people can lead "good" lives regardless of the existence of a higher power.

The campaign is an extension of a similar endeavour launched on London buses and in Tube stations last month.

Translink has declined the group’s application citing rules that prohibit the promotion of theology. The President of Humanist Canada, Pat O’ Brien, has decided to launch an appeal of this decision.

I had an opportunity to interview O’Brien for my radio station. His arguments were widely welcomed by most callers to my talk show, despite the fact that religion plays a very important role in the lives of people who come from India and Pakistan.

Members of the Taraksheel Society, an Indian rationalist club, have not only condemned the decision of Translink, but have expressed their wholehearted support for Humanist Canada.

The Taraksheel Society educates people against superstition and promotes scientific teaching through its magazines and other publications.

Other progressive writers and thinkers in the community also feel that atheism should not be seen as a crime, and that people should think rationally about human development and culture.

The atheist movement, in fact, has roots in ancient Indian society as well. Almost at the same time that the Vedas, or the Hindu scriptures, were written centuries ago, there were people who were considered atheists.

The recent experiences of India and Pakistan illustrate that state sponsorship of religion can be disastrous.

Likewise, other major conflicts around the world are fuelled by religious fanaticism.

Translink should reconsider its decision.

Religion alone is not a way of life. One can chose to be a good human being even without being religious or God fearing. And no matter what you believe, that message deserves equal exposure.