Rajan Zed with Dr. Daniel Veidlinger.

California State University-Chico (CSUC) is mobilizing a panel for having a meaningful conversation and finding common ground among diverse religions and denominations, starting November four.

Termed as “Interreligious Reflections in Northern California”, it will be launched with “Jewish and Hindu reflections”, and will continue into future semesters covering other religions and denominations. 

Featured speakers in this maiden venture include distinguished global Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, Congregation Beth Israel Chico Rabbi Lisa Rappaport, CSUC Chair of Comparative Religion & Humanities Daniel Veidlinger, and CSUC Professor of Religious Studies Jed Wyrick. 

“We’ll explore history, hear present-day voices, and look ahead to a future of shared understanding”, the announcement of the event says, whose tagline is “Honoring Tradition, Embracing Tomorrow”.

Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, has lauded these efforts of Chico State; seemingly aimed at showcasing experiences that create a foundation for understanding between people through constructive dialogue and collaboration, building trust among seriously different traditions, attempting to understand “others” across the aisle, etc. Nation’s other public and private universities should follow Chico State’s efforts in bridge-building, Zed added. 

Hosted by the Chico State Department of Comparative Religion and Humanities, this Night One of the Matthew and Isabel Fine Lecture Series will be held on Tuesday, November four, at Chico State Campus Arts 112 from 06:30 pm to 08:30 pm. It will include open Q&A and will also be virtually available via Zoom. Light snacks will be provided. There is no charge to attend. All are welcome.

Chico State, founded 1887, which claims “first-rate academics”, has about 14,581 students, out of which about 57% are female. It offers various degree programs, including Master’s, and its students come from 48 nations.