Hinduism and Modernity

A talk by Shaunaka Rishi Das of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies

In modern, secular society Hinduism is sometimes regarded as backward looking and the source of conflict and communalism. On this view, as scientific knowledge and technology develop, Hinduism will fade into the past and people will leave behind a superstitious phase of their development. Yet in spite of this assumption Hindu culture continues to exert force in the contemporary world. In this talk we will explore issues of Hinduism and modernity, including issues of freedom, fundamentalism, democracy, individualism, science, and secularism.