Salt Lake City, UT 2012 Cultural and Religious Pluralism Conference, November 29-December 1

Nov. 12, 2012 - PRLog -- This year’s conference will focus on an understanding of Hindu practice and belief, particularly in the context of Western faith traditions prevalent in the Salt Lake City, UT area.

The conference highlight will be the annual Diwali celebration Saturday afternoon: a festival of lights, music, dance, crafts, and food. It is an extraordinary opportunity to explore the cultural facets of this religious festival firsthand.

Thursday, Nov. 29
7 p.m.
Film screening and discussion panel: “India: Love and Devotion”
“India: Love and Devotion” gives viewers an understanding of how devotion regulates daily practices and looks at religious beliefs which manifest in daily Indian life.
Panel moderator: Indra Neelameggham
Indra is much a sought-after speaker and panelist on the subjects of Indian culture and Hinduism. She and her husband Neale have been very involved in the Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple and India Cultural Center of Utah in South Jordan, UT. She is a Board Member of the Salt Lake Interfaith Roundtable.

Saturday, Dec. 1
2 p.m.
Welcome and presentation of guest of honor: Dr. Ashok Joshi
Keynote Address, Dr. Deepak Sarma: “Diwali and Its Pluralistic Approach to the Global World”
Diwali, as it has developed in the Hindu Diaspora, is a dispersive prism that permits one to observe the unity in the diversity and the diversity in the unity. Sarma will shed light on the history and development of Hinduism(s) with the goal of revealing some of its glorious iridescence.

3 p.m.
Panel Discussion: “Building a Community of Global Faith”
Panel moderator: Dr. Muriel Schmidt, Director of Religious Studies, University of Utah
Members of various faith communities will explore commonalities between traditions that can foster a society in which all traditions and cultures can live in peace and harmony.
Panelists: Joseph Gill, Sikh Temple of Utah; Dr. Iqbal Hossain, Islamic Society of Greater Salt Lake; Father John E. Norman, St. Vincent Parish, Salt Lake City; Dr. Deepak Sarma, Case Western University; Jan Saeed, Office of Spiritual Life, Westminster College; Dr. Brian Birch, Utah Valley University

4:45 p.m.
Diwali Celebration
Music and Dance from the Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple of Utah, with additional performances by local cultural and faith groups.

When: November 29-December 1, 2012
Where: Salt Lake Main Public Library, 210 East 400 South, Salt Lake City, UT
No charge; free and open to the public