The sixth edition of the Certificate Course in Dialogue Studies ran from September 12, 2024, to February 25, 2025. Over six months, the program hosted 32 sessions led by distinguished scholars, dialogue practitioners, and international experts from India, Germany, Romania, Italy, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the UK, and the US.
From 49 applicants, 24 participants were carefully selected, but only 10 met the rigorous standards required to complete the course. One such requirement involved writing timely and detailed reflections for each session, which contributed to their final assessment and reinforced key learnings. The cohort represented a wide spectrum—from Kashmir to Kerala—featuring participants at various stages of their academic and professional journeys, ranging from undergraduates to PhD scholars.
The 2024–2025 batch was notably diverse. Women made up 25% of the group, and all four major Indian religions were represented: nearly equal numbers of Hindus and Muslims, along with Christian and Sikh participants. Most held or were pursuing postgraduate degrees, including five with or pursuing PhDs, five with bachelor’s degrees, and two current undergraduates.
Participants ranged in age from 18 to 64, with an average age of 33. Over half were under 30, seven were in their 30s, and four were over 40. Geographically, the cohort included three international participants from Kazakhstan, Nigeria, and Italy, and 17 Indian nationals from 12 states and union territories. Eight hailed from rural or small-town areas, while nine were based in urban centres.
Professionally, the participants came from a broad spectrum—Jesuit priests, professors of social work, politicians, theatre actors, peace activists, and students in fields such as law, public health, and philosophy. One-fourth were doctors or professionals in public health.
Reflections from Participants
Mohammad Yaseen Malik, an educationist from Kolkata, found Gulen’s teachings on dialogue particularly impactful. “His emphasis on peace, respect, and human dignity added a meaningful layer to my understanding of dialogue,” he noted, emphasizing how the course deepened both his theoretical and practical grasp of dialogue.
Public health professional and indigenous rights advocate Randall Sequeira praised several speakers for their immersive teaching methods. Among his favorites were Tarushikha Sarvesh, Hilal Ahmed, Vaibhav Abnave, and Farhat Nasreen, who each used unique formats—from films to storytelling—to engage participants deeply and emotionally.
Jai Adlakha, a student of peace and conflict studies, appreciated how the course bridged academic theory with real-world application. “It complemented my formal studies with practical insights and case studies that emphasized empathy and patience as core elements of conflict resolution.”
Zeeshana Ayoub, from rural Kashmir, described the course as transformative. “It helped me understand societal issues through a critical lens and empowered me to promote peace and understanding in my community.”
Vikash Kumar, a Gandhi Fellow based in Nuh, Haryana, highlighted how a session on Gandhi’s views by Irfanullah Farooqi informed his grassroots work. “The course provided insights that directly enhanced my strategies for engaging with marginalized communities.”
Course Content & Pedagogy
Primarily aimed at Indian students, the program seeks to nurture critical thinking and promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue. The 2024–2025 cohort began with Dr. Yuksel Alp Aslandogan’s data-driven session on the role of dialogue in social peace and concluded with a lecture on Fethullah Gulen’s peace initiatives by Dr. Kerim Balci.
A standout session that drew the most participation was “Secularism as Misdirection: Critical Thought from the Global South” by feminist scholar Professor Nivedita Menon. Female speakers, in general, drew high engagement due to their relatable and thought-provoking topics.
Professor Ritu Priya’s session on Dialogue in Public Policy and Planning offered practical insights into how inclusive policy formation occurs in India. As a former mentor to some cohort members, her presentation struck a personal and intellectual chord.
Interfaith dialogue was central to the curriculum. Dr. Saad Ismail offered a Sufi perspective in Philosophy of the Self in Islamic Traditions, while Dr. Mustafa Cenap Aydin spoke on the Catholic Church’s engagement with dialogue.
International voices also enriched the discourse. Dr. Rajendran Govender explored how dialogue fosters cultural cohesion among South African Indians, and Dr. Maya Joshi used literature to unpack themes of otherness and belonging in the context of Partition. Professor Bindu Puri discussed spiritual perspectives on nationhood via Aurobindo and Tagore’s philosophies.
Frequent post-session discussions revolved around global speakers like Dr. Mark Juergensmeyer, who examined the decline of religious violence, and Dr. Silvia Osman, who offered an eclectic take on dialogue, intelligence, and connectivity.
Alumni Engagement & Future Directions
The Indialogue Foundation continues to support alumni through networking events, collaborative forums, and opportunities in research, publishing, and career growth. Regular online and offline reunions keep alumni connected with thought leaders and international guests.
Initially launched in 2019 as an in-person program, the course evolved into an online academic offering during the pandemic. This shift broadened its reach, allowing participation from across India and beyond, significantly enriching the dialogue experience.
M. Behzad Fatmi, Secretary-General of Indialogue Foundation and the driving force behind the course, shared that work is underway to publish a dedicated journal on dialogue. A strong advocate of interfaith cooperation and global peace, he has built an extensive network of scholars and practitioners to support the initiative.
Meanwhile, Programme Coordinator Pragya Narang, passionate about peace education, aims to expand the course’s impact beyond academia. “Dialogue can solve most of the world’s problems. We need to bring this skill to the masses,” she emphasized. Indialogue is actively seeking new partners to scale the reach of dialogue education.
Looking Ahead
Admissions for the seventh cohort of the Certificate Course in Dialogue Studies (2025–2026) will open in August 2025.