*Public lecture on 'Shared religious traditions in India'* by noted scholar and writer Prof Yoginder Sikand
*"Cultural liberty is a vital part of human development because being able to choose one's identity- who one is- without losing the respect of others or being excluded from other choices is important in leading a full life. People want to practice their religion openly, to speak their language, to celebrate their ethnic or religious heritage without fear of ridicule or punishment or diminished opportunity. People want the freedom to participate in society without having to slip off their chosen cultural moorings. It is a simple idea, but profoundly unsettling"* – Amartya Sen Can all Indians take cultural liberty as described by Amartya Sen for granted? Why is India's ethnic, religious, cultural and linguistic pluralism and diversity under siege today? Why are Indians increasingly aligning themselves along caste and communal lines – "us" and "them"? Is it because we do not sufficiently understand, engage in and celebrate diverse cultures? To promote a deeper understanding of diversity and pluralism in India, Open Space has initiated a lecture series on People, Religions and Cultures. The inaugural lecture in this series is on 'Shared Religious Traditions in India'. The lecture will be delivered by Yoginder Sikand, noted author of several books on Islam-related issues in India, including Sacred Spaces: Exploring Traditions of Shared Faith in India (2003, Penguin), Muslims in India Since 1947: Islamic Perspectives on Interfaith Relations (2004, London: Routledge Curzon), and Bastions of the Believers: Madrasas and Islamic Education in India (2005). He is the editor and primary writer of Qalandar, a monthly electronic publication covering relations between Muslims and followers of other religions. Sikand holds a Master's Degree in sociology from Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, and a PhD in history from the University of London. Sikand will talk about India's shared religious traditions, how they have evolved and the forces that seem to be militating against these traditions. He will discuss the potential of these traditions to promote communal harmony. *Day-Date: Monday 22nd December 2008* *Time: 6 -8pm.* *Venue: Mahratta Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Tilak Road, Pune- 411002 (opp.Sahil restaurant, near Ganesh Kala krida Manch and Gokhale Hospital)* The talk will be followed by moderated discussions with Prof Sikand. Entry to the event is free and on a first-come-first-served basis. Please forward this invitation to your friends, family and associates. *Open Space is a public forum that encourages dialogue, discussion and debate on social justice issues, human rights and sustainable development. Open Space, facilitated by the Centre for Communication and Development Studies (CCDS), Pune, is active in seven Indian cities.* *For more information on this programme, contact Renu or Rakesh at Open Space, on 020-25457371/30222156 or Bobby Kunhu - 9370010422* *Open Space* *Centre for Communication and Development Studies* *301 2**nd** Floor Kanchanjunga bldg, Kanchan Lane* *(Near Krishna Dining Hall)* *Off Law College Road* *Pune – 411004* *Tel: 91-020- 25457371* Adv Kamayani Bali Mahabal South Asia Advocacy Coordinator Women's Health and Rights Advocacy Partnership (WHRAP) Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre For Women (ARROW) Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
