Founded in 2019 in Nagpur, BreakTheMyth began as a local initiative and grew into a national movement with thousands of members across India.
It started with a child in a Nagpur village who nearly died because his family believed jaundice could be cured by bathing under neem trees. Mr. Ashish Kurzekar, a young techie, watched helplessly as his rational explanations were dismissed in favour of centuries-old superstition.
That incident became the catalyst. He gathered a small group of friends — teachers, doctors, journalists, and students — and started hosting "Myth Busting" sessions in community halls. Word spread. Then the internet found them.
Today, BreakTheMyth operates across 28 Indian states with a network of researchers, educators, activists, and everyday citizens who believe that knowledge is the most powerful tool against fear.
A superstition dies not when you attack it, but when you replace it with something more true and more beautiful.
Superstition causes real harm in India — from delayed medical treatment to discrimination and violence. The numbers are alarming.
of rural households still use superstition-based remedies as first treatment
of alleged "witch hunting" incidents reported annually in India
of vaccine hesitancy cases linked to religious or superstitious beliefs
We compile myths from communities, verify them with experts, and document the scientific counter-evidence with full citations.
Complex science is translated into simple, accessible language in Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, and other regional languages.
Through workshops, social media, podcasts, and street plays, we take our message directly to the communities that need it most.
We train local champions in each community who can continue the work independently, creating sustainable change from within.
Mr. Ashish Kurzekar starts hosting community myth-busting sessions. First 50 members join online.
COVID-19 lockdowns push operations online. Website launches. Membership grows to 1,500 in 6 months.
"Vaccine Truth" campaign reaches 50 lakh people across social media, countering vaccine misinformation.
Partnership with 12 NGOs. Expands to 22 states. Launches regional language content in 6 languages.
Launches paid membership model. Partners with state government health departments. Goes international.
Physician turned activist. MBBS from Nagpur University.
M.Sc. Biotechnology. Manages our myth verification process.
Former journalist. Has led 30+ awareness campaigns.
Coordinates 12,000+ member network across 28 states.
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