ABOUT THE CHAIR

The Acharya Shri Mahapragya Chair of Interfaith Studies, established by Desh Bhagat University under the Faculty of Social Sciences and Languages, stands as a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue, understanding, and harmony. Named in honor of Acharya Shri Mahapragya, a renowned Jain philosopher and spiritual leader, the chair seeks to promote inclusivity, respect, and appreciation for diverse religious traditions.

This chair serves as a platform for discourse on matters related to interfaith dialogue. It aims to cultivate a deeper understanding of different religious beliefs, practices, and their role in society. By facilitating dialogue between practitioners, and students from various faith traditions, the chair encourages the exploration of commonalities and shared values, ultimately fostering a sense of unity and cooperation among different religious communities.

Under the guidance of Dr. Devinder Kumar, Director, the chair organizes expert lectures and symposium that bring together intellectuals, religious leaders, and community members to engage in meaningful discussions on interfaith topics. Through these initiatives, the chair aims to bridge the gaps between different religious communities, promoting mutual respect, empathy, and peaceful coexistence. It supports students in their pursuit of knowledge and understanding, providing resources and opportunities to delve into the complexities of religious diversity and interfaith dynamics.

By establishing this chair, Desh Bhagat University demonstrates its commitment to nurturing an environment that values religious pluralism, tolerance, and acceptance. It serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring individuals to embrace the richness of diverse faith traditions and work towards a more harmonious and inclusive society.

OBJECTIVES OF THE CHAIR

The Acharya Shri Mahapragya Chair of Interfaith Studies aims to promote interfaith dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among different religious communities. It seeks to foster a culture of peace, tolerance, strives to foster a climate of respect, understanding, and collaboration among people of different faiths, working towards building a more peaceful and harmonious society and mutual respect by engaging in various activities and programs. Here are some common objectives and programs of the chair:

Interfaith Dialogue: The chair will facilitate interfaith dialogues and discussions, bringing together scholars, religious leaders, and practitioners from different faith traditions. These dialogues aim to promote understanding, address common challenges, and explore shared values and principles.

Research and Publications: The chair will conduct research on interfaith studies, focusing on topics such as comparative religion, theology, religious philosophy, and social issues related to religious diversity. The findings of the research may be published in academic journals, books, and other publications to contribute to the academic field and promote greater understanding.

Educational Programs: The chair will develop educational programs that incorporate interfaith studies into the curriculum of academic institutions. This may include offering courses, workshops, and seminars on interfaith dialogue, religious pluralism, and conflict resolution, aimed at students, scholars, and religious leaders.

Interfaith Leadership Development: The chair will work towards developing interfaith leaders who can bridge religious divides and promote harmony. This may involve organizing training programs, retreats, and workshops to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to engage in interfaith dialogue and lead interfaith initiatives.

Community Engagement: The chair may actively engage with local communities, organizing events, and initiatives that promote interfaith understanding and cooperation at the grassroots level. This may include interfaith prayer gatherings, community service projects, and cultural exchange programs.

International Collaborations: The chair will establish collaborations with other institutions and organizations globally to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding on an international scale. This may involve hosting conferences, symposiums, or joint research projects with partners from different countries.

PROPOSED PROGRAMMES

The specific proposed programs of the Acharya Shri Mahapragya Chair of Interfaith Studies include:

Interfaith Dialogue Series: To organize a series of regular dialogues and panel discussions involving scholars, religious leaders, and practitioners from different faith traditions. These dialogues can focus on various topics such as religious pluralism, ethics, spirituality, and social justice, fostering understanding and cooperation among participants.

Interfaith Youth Camps: To organize camps or retreats for young people from different religious backgrounds to come together and engage in interfaith activities. These programs can include workshops, discussions, team-building exercises, and community service projects to promote understanding, empathy, and collaboration among young individuals.

Interfaith Leadership Training: To offer leadership training programs for religious leaders, community activists, and individuals interested in promoting interfaith understanding. These programs can provide skills and knowledge in interfaith dialogue, conflict resolution, mediation, and community engagement, empowering participants to become effective interfaith leaders in their respective communities.

Visiting Scholar Program: To invite renowned scholars and experts in interfaith studies to serve as visiting scholars, giving lectures, conducting workshops, and engaging in collaborative research. This program can provide opportunities for students and faculty to interact with experts in the field, expanding their knowledge and perspectives on interfaith matters.

Interfaith Art and Cultural Exhibitions: To organize art exhibitions and cultural events that showcases the diverse traditions, rituals, and artistic expressions of different faith communities. These events can create opportunities for dialogue and appreciation of different religious and cultural practices, fostering respect and understanding among attendees.

Interfaith Community Engagement Initiatives: To develop programs that promote interfaith collaboration in addressing social issues and community development. This can involve interfaith community service projects, joint advocacy campaigns for social justice, and initiatives to support marginalized communities, demonstrating the positive impact of interfaith cooperation in creating a more equitable society.

International Interfaith Conferences: To organize international conferences focused on interfaith studies, inviting scholars, practitioners, and policymakers from around the world. These conferences can provide a platform for sharing research, best practices, and experiences in interfaith dialogue and collaboration, fostering global connections and partnerships.

ACTIVITIES ORGANISED UNDER THE CHAIR ACHARYA SHRI MAHAPRAGYA CHAIR OF INTERFAITH STUDIES