2025.11.06, Aligarh (Vrindavan Today News): The Department of English, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), hosted a University Extension Lecture by Dr. R. David Coolidge, Research Faculty at Bayan Islamic Graduate College, Chicago, USA. The lecture, titled “Narratives of Devotion: Towards Cross-Cultural and Inter-Religious Explorations,” delved into devotion as a universal human pursuit that transcends religious boundaries.
Dr. Coolidge examined how individuals channel their time and energy toward serving higher purposes and connecting the human with the divine. Drawing from Hindu Bhakti traditions of Vrindavan and Mathura, he explored devotional practices as expressions of spiritual intimacy and self-surrender. He further emphasized the value of Comparative Religion studies in promoting interfaith understanding and mitigating communal divides.
The session also featured Dr. Saad Mohammad Ismail, Founder and Editor of Project Noon, as the discussant. He reflected on Dr. Coolidge’s recent book, “Hindu Bhakti through Muslim Eyes: Islam and Caitanya Vaisnavism in the Twenty-First Century,” highlighting its thematic depth, structural composition, and relevance in contemporary interreligious discourse.
Welcoming the guest speaker, Prof. Samina Khan, Chairperson of the Department of English, introduced Dr. Coolidge and commended his interdisciplinary approach. Prof. T. N. Satheesan, Dean, Faculty of Arts, presided over the session and lauded Dr. Coolidge’s research as a significant and original contribution to Religious Studies.
Ms. Sharmien Ajmal proposed the vote of thanks, while Mr. Saim Raza conducted the proceedings. The event was well-attended by faculty members, research scholars, and students interested in literary and interfaith studies.
