A Public Lecture & Discussion on
Fundamentalism in South Asia
Rise & Challenge of Hindutva in India

Saturday, November 9, 2002, 2:00 PM
University Hall, Room 1000
Loyola Marymount University
1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles, California 90045

Speaker: Virendra Prakash, IAS (Ret.)
Author of “Hindutva Demystified”

Mr. Virendra Prakash retired as Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Home Affairs, having held senior positions both in India and abroad. As Deputy Commissioner Manipur and as Advisor to two Governors of J&K state, he dealt closely with fundamentalist militancy. His book ” Hindutva Demystified” which received wide acclamation was based on his intimate interactions with Hindutva top leadership and the study of relevant literature, history as well as contemporary developments right up to the tragic events of Godhra, Gujarat and Orissa.

The rise of fundamentalist politics around the world and especially in South Asia has affected the fragile majority and minority relationships, casting a long, dark shadow on the future of the entire region. Lately, the rise of majoritarian militancy in India in the name of HINDUTVA has added a catastrophic new dimension to an already explosive situation. The minorities, dalits & women, in particular, find themselves the target of increasingly vicious attacks.

In this context, some issues to ponder over are:

- What is HINDUTVA - its motives and roots, its threats and prospects?
- What does it bode for the future of a pluralist, egalitarian and progressive India?
- What does it mean for the future of the South Asian States?
- What is the role of the expatriate South Asian Community?

This event is free to the public and plenty of parking is available.

Directions:

From Valley: Take San Diego (405) Freeway south. Exit on Manchester Blvd (W) and turn right towards the beach.

From Orange County: Take San Diego (405) Freeway North. Exit on Manchester Blvd (W) and turn left towards the beach.

From Downtown: Take I-10 West Freeway north and merge on to the San Diego (405) south. Exit on Manchester Blvd (W) and turn right towards the beach. After following the above, turn right on Lincoln Blvd and make another right on LMU Drive. University Hall will be the first Bldg on the right, enter the underground parking structure from the second entrance and take the elevator to Room 1000.

For more information please contact:
Robin Khundkar (714) 895-5048 or rkhundkar@earthlink.net ;I K Shukla (310)
514-2934 or ikshukla@hotmail.com ; John Ishvaradas-Abdallah (310) 748-9369
or SufiSays@yahoo.com; Asad Zaidi (714) 313-2703 or asadzee@hotmail.com