Nehru Centre Event: Religious Values in a Secular World: Indian Perspectives

 

In this opening talk we will consider the role of religion in the modern world and particularly focus on the differences that can arise between religious values and secular principles.  One of the traditional functions of religion has been to provide guidelines and rules as to how individuals should conduct their lives in terms of marriage, sexuality, inheritance, gender roles etc, but in the modern world this role is increasingly called into question.  Hence our aim here is to consider Indian perspectives on the apparent tension between religion and modernity and solutions as to how it can best be resolved.  We will also explore issues of tolerance and toleration, and consider how far these liberal values are consistent with religious teachings.