institute for works of religion

Terence Lewis opened up about questioning Christianity from a young age, recalling being asked to “get out” by a priest when he raised doubts. He shared the emotional impact on his family, especially his mother, and distinguished between faith and organised religion. Lewis remains a leading figure in contemporary dance and global collaborations.

But Vivek’s rise, if things go according to plan he might become the third Indian-origin governor of an American state after Bobby Jindal and Nikki Haley, is not just a litmus test of an Indian-American’s success story in US politics. It is a test of how far the MAGA tent will accommodate a brown non-Christian man and also how far an Indian-American can go in Trump’s America.

During Holy Week, Pope Leo XIV and the Dalai Lama jointly condemned the use of God's name to justify war, emphasizing that religious traditions fundamentally teach love and compassion. Their powerful, unqualified appeal rejects the seductive arguments of necessity and exception that fuel conflict, urging a moral refusal of violence and a recognition of shared humanity.

A wave of over 60 bills, linked to Charlie Kirk, are reshaping education policy across more than 20 US states. These laws redefine campus free speech in places like Kansas and influence how history, including religion's role, is taught in Tennessee. This legislative pattern signals a broader ideological shift in educational priorities.

Researchers have identified the world's oldest known beer receipt, a small clay tablet from ancient Mesopotamia detailing beer supplied to workers. This everyday transaction, discovered during a review of museum collections, highlights the early use of writing for managing trade, labor, and resources, offering a human glimpse into ancient life.

Spouses & families of men killed in the April 22, 2025 terror attack recount loss, resilience, anger, and the long struggle to move forward

Bihar's political landscape shifts as Nitish Kumar steps down after two decades, paving the way for Samrat Choudhary's chief ministership. Kumar, lauded for transforming Bihar's image through development and improved governance, exits with a clean slate. His departure marks the end of an era, with many acknowledging his significant contributions to the state's progress and social harmony.

Ambedkar Jayanti, celebrated on April 14, honors Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, a key figure in modern India. His pivotal role in drafting the Indian Constitution and his lifelong fight against caste discrimination and for social justice are commemorated. The day serves as a reminder of his advocacy for equality and human dignity.

A bicycle mechanic from Ayodhya, Mohammad Sharif, transformed profound personal grief into a lifelong mission. After losing his son, he vowed to provide dignified final rites for unclaimed bodies, regardless of faith. For decades, he personally arranged cremations and burials, earning him the affectionate title 'Sharif Chacha' and culminating in a prestigious Padma Shri award for his selfless service.

Hindu philosophy highlights the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati as a model for strong, balanced marriages. Their relationship exemplifies friendship, devotion, and harmonious energies. The mantra 'Om Gauri Shankaraya Namah' is used to foster spiritual connection, faithfulness, and peace between partners, aiding in resolving misunderstandings and strengthening commitment.

The challenges we face-climate change, inequality, conflict-are global and interdependent; they cannot be solved by technology alone. They require a shift in consciousness, says XIV THE DALAI

If CPM-led LDF loses in Kerala on May 4, India will see its first Left-free govt landscape in nearly half a century. The bigger story? Communist parties failed to find a new vocabulary for new India

The Dhamma, as Ambedkar reinterpreted it, was a grammar of equality – a moral framework for reconstructing society. Its gods were not divine, but ethical: compassion, justice, fraternity. But in public life today, that language of ethics risks being drowned out by the louder, more performative religiosity of the Hindu Right

The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill, 2026, seeks to criminalise conversions through coercion, fraud, inducement or marriage. However, the proposed bill has reopened a wider debate over privacy, inter-faith marriage, religious freedom and the expanding reach of the state

Thomas Hardy, a literary giant, captured the essence of rural England and the struggles of ordinary people. His novels, often controversial for their honest portrayal of societal issues, faced backlash, leading him to focus on poetry. Despite personal hardships, Hardy's philosophical realism and vivid settings profoundly influenced modern literature, exploring human vulnerability and the persistent surprise of change.

Nowruz, the ancient Persian festival celebrating the vernal equinox, arrives on March 20, 2026, amidst geopolitical turmoil. Despite historical attempts to suppress it, from Arab conquests to the Islamic Republic, the festival endures, symbolizing resilience and cultural identity. Families worldwide observe its traditions, a testament to its deep roots and enduring spirit.

The actor's visits to Kedarnath have drawn attention after the temple panel said non-Hindus must submit an affidavit declaring faith, bringing into focus new entry conditions at key Hindu shrines ahead of the Char Dham Yatra