AVION HOLIDAY RESORT LONAVLA

Globalization has become a part of the contemporary reality. Although eminent thinkers like Teilhard de Chardin had predicted its sure, eventual arrival, no one had anticipated it to happen so suddenly, so strikingly and so decisively. It has become so all-permeating that many scholars are referring to it as the “mega-revolution,” shaking loose and shaping anew many aspects of our life and society. Many thinkers also believe that there is no turning back on the onward rush of this progressing wave. The whole world has to face up to this reality. How will the world respond to the challenges and opportunities opened up by these new developments? India too has come under the firm grip of globalization.  How will India face it?

                Far from setting aside globalization as an accident of history, it needs to be seen seriously as a part of the evolutionary thrust of our ever-evolving cosmos. Many agents have contributed towards bringing about this phenomenon of globalization. There is no doubt that science and technology has been a major player in this process, and continues to be so. What has been the role of the different branches of science in this regard? What role can we envisage them to play in shaping the future of this global phenomenon?

It is often forgotten that religions have and continue to play an important role in this process, particularly those with a strong universal vision. What has been the contribution of the different religions in this process of globalization? Do they also have a role in guiding and determining the future direction of this universal phenomenon?

                Undoubtedly this mega-revolution has far-reaching consequences. In fact, it has been a mixed bag, with many salutary as well as harmful consequences. Often the developed nations seem to focus mostly on the positive, beneficial side, describing it as a boon of humanity, whereas the developing countries seem to highlight the negative, harmful side, presenting it as a bane of humanity. This line of thinking, though quite legitimate and natural, looks at globalization from the narrow vantage point of material advantages/disadvantages, benefits/losses. It seems to us that such a perspective commits the sin of grossly underestimating the nature and significance of globalization. Globalization has an internal, inner dimension as well. Just as the external world changes, thanks to the introduction of new modes of living, communication, transport, etc., the internal world is also undergoing a transformation, thanks to the emergence of new values, new beliefs and new expectations. The external dimension of globalization is very closely linked to developments in science and technology, whereas religion with its time-tested value system can have a strong impact of the internal dimension. Hence we believe that both science and religion are closely linked to the phenomenon of globalization, and have a vital role in delineating the future course of this mega-revolution.

What are some of the positive/constructive and negative/destructive effects of globalization? What can science do to steer this process along the right direction? What can religion do to ensure that its ill effects do not endanger the future of humanity and the cosmos? What are some of the new values we need to cultivate in this globalizing world? What role can science and religion play in this context? Can a healthy and creative interaction between science and religion help to maximize the positive effects and minimize the ill effects of globalization? These and related issues will be systematically studied, professionally discussed and seriously reflected upon by a team of eminent international and national scientists from the different branches of science, philosophers and scholars from the East and the West, and religious thinkers from different religions, at an international Symposium organized by IISR (Indian Institute of Science and Religion), Pune.

SPEAKERS:

1.  Dr. Kasturiranjan, Director, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore, former Director of ISRO.

2.  Dr. Daphne Viveka,  Sophia College, Mumbai.

3.  Dr. Viorel Guliciuc, Stefan cel Mare University, Romania.

4.  Dr.Emilia Guliciuc, Stefan cel Mare University, Romania.

5. Teresa Loanappan, Principal, College of Nursing, Hyderabad.

6.  M.M. Rajendran, IAS.

7. Prof. Dr. Makarand Paranjpe, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

8. Prof. Dr. Job Kozhamthadam, Director IISR, Pune.

9. Dr. Kuruvilla Pandikattu, ASSR, Pune.

10. Prof. Dr. Felix Wilfred, University of Madras (to be confirmed).

11. Dr. Charles Harper,  John Templeton Foundation, USA (to be confirmed).

Some other international scholars are yet to be confirmed as speakers.

ELIGIBILITY:

v      University/College Professors/Lecturers

v      Major Seminary Professors/Lecturers  ( any religion)

v      must be Interested in Science-Religion  Dialogue

v      Ph.D Preferred, but not necessary

100 seats only. Selection on the basis of merit.

EXPENSES: FREE ROOM & BOARD, TRAVEL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

A SMALL REGISTRATION FEES WILL BE CHARGED

THE LAST DATE FOR REGISTRATION: 10 December, 2007

For Further Information, Prospectus, Application Forms, etc., please contact:

IISR Director, Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth, Pune 411014, Ph. 020- 27034737, 27034738, 27034405

Mob: 9422012943. Fax: 020 27034491, 27034913

email:  iisrpune@gmail.com/assrpune@vsnl.net/jobksj@gmail.com

website: www.iisr.in/www.assr.in