Introduction
The fifth online batch of the Certificate Course in Dialogue Studies ran from September 12, 2023, to March 8, 2024. This six-month program comprised 32 sessions conducted by renowned academicians, dialogue practitioners, and international experts from India, Romania, Italy, Australia, Turkey, Sri Lanka, and the United States.
Participants and Completion Rate
From 49 applications, 13 participants were meticulously selected, of which only 7 completed the rigorous course requirements. These included writing detailed and timely reflections on each session attended, which contributed to their grades and helped solidify their understanding of the course. The participants represented a diverse demographic, ranging from undergraduates to PhD holders, and came from various regions of India, from Kashmir to Kerala.
Participant Experiences
Muneer Peerzada, a PhD holder from Kashmir, highlighted the course’s comprehensive curriculum, which enhanced his extensive background in religious dialogue and philosophy. He appreciated the diverse perspectives and the inclusion of scholars, activists, and professionals.
Zikra Aqueel, an alumna of Jamia Millia Islamia, found the course a refreshing restart to her academic journey, which had been interrupted by the pandemic. The course’s structure significantly improved her writing skills and rekindled her passion for research and publication.
Syeda Sukaina Ali from Aligarh valued the contributions of fellow participants during the question-and-answer segments, which often provided deeper insights than the sessions themselves.
Sonal Hikare, an interfaith activist from Nagpur, was impressed by the calibre of speakers and mentors, which broadened her understanding of various faith traditions and their intersections.
Course Sessions
The course commenced with an eye-opening session by Dr. Yuksel Alp Aslandogan on ‘How Dialogue Serves Social Peace: Evidence from Surveys, Statistical Data and Brain Scans’ and concluded with an introspective session by Prof. Savyasachi on ‘Belonging and the Necessity of Dialogue’.
Noteworthy sessions included:
- ‘Identities, Collective Violence, and Dialogue’by Dr. Jalil Mehdi, which delved into the formation and impact of identities in conflict situations.
- Gender-related dialogue sessions, such as ‘Settler Colonial Interests and the Effects on Indigenous Gender Dynamics’ by Dr. Tarushikha Sarvesh and ‘Climate Dialogue: A Gendered Discourse’ by Dr. Sucharita Sengupta, which highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on women.
- ‘Unlearning Histories, Cultures, and Religions’by Kombai Anwar, who shared his experiences as a Tamil Muslim and historian.
Key Themes and Speakers
The course covered a range of themes including Indian history, interfaith dialogue, international conflicts, democracy, and the philosophy of dialogue. Notable speakers included:
- Dr. Irfanullah Farooqi on Tagore’s perspective in ‘Education as Dialogue’.
- Prof. Mrinal Miri and Prof. Bindu Puri on ‘Gandhi for the 21st Century’.
- Prof. Ori Soltes on ‘Fethullah Gulen’s Understanding of Dialogue and Hizmet’s Role in Peacebuilding’.
Alumni and Future Directions
A significant advantage of the program is its connected alumni network, coordinated by Aaliya Khan, who organizes networking opportunities, meet-ups, and academic interactions. The course, initially started as an in-person program in 2019, transitioned online during the pandemic, allowing for greater diversity among participants and speakers.
Conclusion The Certificate Course in Dialogue Studies continues to foster critical thinking, interfaith, and intercultural dialogue among its participants. Admissions for the 2024-2025 cohort will open mid-August 2024, inviting a new generation of students to engage in this enriching academic journey.