By Matters India Reporter
Mumbai, August 9, 2026: The Institute of Indian Culture (IIC), run by the Society of the Divine Word, hosted a lecture on “Anti-Conversion: A Sociological Perspective” on August 8.
The event in Mumbai drew a packed audience of scholars, clergy, students, and community members, underscoring the relevance of the issue.
Divine Word Father John Singarayar, director of IIC, opened the program by stressing the institute’s mission to foster dialogue on pressing social questions. The session was moderated by Divine Word Father Scaria, who introduced keynote speaker Divine Word Father Joseph M. T., faculty member in sociology at the University of Mumbai.
Father Joseph traced the historical evolution of anti-conversion laws in India, emphasizing that conversion is not merely a legal or theological matter but one deeply tied to identity, caste, culture, and freedom.
He urged participants to view the issue through a sociological framework, highlighting its impact on inter-community relations and constitutional rights.
“Religious conversion is intertwined with questions of identity, caste, culture, power, and individual freedom,” he said, calling for objective inquiry and dialogue in a pluralistic society.
An interactive session followed, with participants raising questions on legal, social, and ethical dimensions. Prof. Joseph responded with clarity and practical examples, enriching the discussion.
The program reaffirmed IIC’s commitment to scholarship, dialogue, and social harmony.
(Photo CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)