This is an exciting opportunity to enhance your knowledge of the cultural diversity of South Asian communities in the Central Valley and their religious practices including, beliefs, attire, festival and food. Along with learning about core teachings, practices, and cultural traditions of Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism, we will develop tools to utilize the content for in-class teaching, counseling and communicating with South Asian student populations.

In this workshop, you will acquire theoretical and experiential understanding through lectures, guest speakers, discussions, films, visits to religious sites and opportunities to experience Indian cuisine. As we navigate many challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social and economic inequality, racial violence, this workshop would be of interest to essential workers, counselors, medical professionals, teachers, social workers and community members.

Participants will have opportunities to view films, visit religious sites in the Central Valley, meet with religious leaders, and experience firsthand the diversity, complexity and richness of these traditions. Participants will also receive a certificate of completion. All reading material, luncheons, etc. will be provided by the instructor.

Date: Friday, Sept. 10 - Saturday, Oct. 23
Time: Varies
Register: Here.
Deadline: Sept. 10
Cost: $60 ($30 sponsorships available for the first 20 participants.)

Instructor:
Veena R. Howard, Ph.D. is a professor of Asian Religious Traditions. She also holds the Endowed Chair in Jain and Hindu Dharma. Her expertise lies in the religions originated on the Indian subcontinent. She has authored and edited three books and many scholarly articles. She has served on the Board of Trustees of the Parliament of the World’s Religions. She is a frequent presenter at national and international conferences. You may reach her at vehoward@csufresno.edu.