Patna: Nalanda University brought together distinguished academics and thinkers from India and abroad for an online condolence meeting on October 17 to pay tribute to the late Prof. Arvind Sharma, a globally recognised scholar of comparative religion and Indian intellectual traditions.
The meeting, held virtually, reflected on Prof. Sharma’s academic contributions, his commitment to dialogue across religious and cultural traditions, and his enduring influence on students, colleagues and fellow scholars.
Prof. Sharma served as a Distinguished Visiting Professor at Nalanda University from August to December 2018 and was also a member of the university’s governing board.
Vice-Chancellor Highlights His Ideas on Dharma and Coexistence
Opening the tributes, Prof. Sachin Chaturvedi, Vice-Chancellor of Nalanda University, highlighted Prof. Sharma’s contributions to contemporary thought, particularly his ideas on Dharma and coexistence.
He observed that Prof. Sharma’s scholarship remained relevant in a world facing violence and conflict. His ideas, he said, offered important perspectives on how Nalanda University could advance its commitment to coexistence and dialogue across civilisations.
Prof. Chaturvedi also highlighted Prof. Sharma’s emphasis on the historical plurality of Hinduism and his forward-looking perspectives on feminism, which he said deserved continued study and engagement.
Academic World Loses a Major Figure in Comparative Religion
Prof. Godabarisha Mishra, Director of Nalanda University Press and Dean of SBSPCR, described Prof. Sharma’s passing as a significant loss to philosophy and comparative religion.
He noted that despite his considerable intellectual stature, Prof. Sharma was remembered by colleagues and friends for his humility, warmth and approachable nature.
The tributes highlighted how his academic achievements went hand in hand with personal qualities that made him a valued colleague, mentor and friend.
McGill Scholars Recall a Dedicated Teacher and Friend
Prof. Mikael Bauer, Director of the School of Religious Studies at McGill University, remembered Prof. Sharma as a reassuring presence in the university’s academic community.
He spoke of Sharma’s sincerity as a colleague and his humanity as a teacher, recalling personal conversations they shared during the scholar’s final days.
Prof. Bauer urged fellow academics to continue the work Prof. Sharma had undertaken, emphasising the importance of sustaining his intellectual contributions and commitment to dialogue.
Prof. Katherine Young, Professor Emeritus at McGill University, reflected on her friendship with Prof. Sharma spanning five decades, which began when they were fellow students at the university.
She recalled his deep engagement with religious traditions, sharing that he had been initiated by the Dalai Lama. She also spoke of his remarkable memory, noting that he had memorised the entire Bhagavad Gita during his PhD years.
Amitabh Mattoo Recalls His Scholarship on the Gita and Mahabharata
Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, Dean of the School of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), remembered Prof. Sharma as both a towering intellectual figure and a humble learner.
He highlighted Sharma’s work on Abhinavagupta’s interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita and his insights into the Mahabharata, including the theme of peace, or shanta, following catastrophe.
Prof. Mattoo observed that despite his extensive knowledge, Prof. Sharma retained the curiosity and openness of a lifelong student.
Arun Shourie Remembers a Friend of More Than Seven Decades
Shri Arun Shourie, economist and former Union Minister of Communications, offered personal reflections on his friendship with Prof. Sharma, which dated back to their school years and spanned approximately 70 to 75 years.
He remembered Prof. Sharma as someone who gave people his complete attention whenever he spoke with them. He also recalled his ability as a speaker and his fondness for humour.
Shourie shared a memorable line associated with Prof. Sharma: “Don’t just count the stars; be one of them.”
He also recalled their shared sense of humour and a personal understanding that they would never discuss current affairs when they met.
Scholars Highlight His Legacy in Inter-Dharma Dialogue
Other participants, including Dr. Rita Sherma of the Graduate Theological Union, USA; Prof. Purushottam Bilimoria of the University of San Francisco; Prof. KTS Sarao of Nalanda University; Prof. Rama Rao Pappu of Miami University; Madhu Khanna of Jamia; Ambassador Arvind Gupta; and Dr. Sanjay Kumar, also paid tribute.
Their reflections highlighted Prof. Sharma’s contributions to inter-Dharma dialogue, the study of Indian religions and knowledge systems, the decolonisation of Indian historiography, and debates on secularism.
Speakers also recalled his prolific writing, mentorship, organisational abilities, collaborative spirit, sense of humour and appreciation for poetry and ghazals.
Nalanda University Vows to Carry Forward His Intellectual Legacy
Concluding the meeting, Prof. Chaturvedi called for sustained engagement with Prof. Sharma’s intellectual contributions and urged the academic community to continue his work in the spirit of dialogue and coexistence.
Prof. Godabarisha Mishra delivered the vote of thanks, closing the programme with a collective resolve to preserve and advance the scholar’s legacy.
The gathering served as a tribute not only to Prof. Sharma’s scholarship but also to his belief in intellectual openness, mutual understanding and meaningful engagement across traditions.
