The History Society at IIT Kanpur recently hosted two engaging talks by Shri Neeraj Atri, a well known author and orator, with a broad range of interests in History and Comparative Religion. Shri Atri, the chairman of the National Center for Historical Research and Comparative Studies, is also the author of the acclaimed title, 'Brainwashed Republic'.

In the first session, titled “Rationality and Religion - Can they co-exist?” Shri Atri addressed the widely held notion that rationality and religion are incompatible, especially from a Western perspective. He highlighted that the philosophical traditions of Bharat (India) emerged from a deep desire to understand fundamental questions about life, using logic and reasoning, in contrast to the Western religious practices, which often rely on unquestioned rules and beliefs. The session delved into how these two approaches—rational inquiry in Bharat and religious belief in the West—offer unique insights into human existence and knowledge.

In the second session, "A Scientific Look at History," the speaker stressed the importance of studying history through original sources rather than biased narratives. This approach leads to a factual, balanced understanding of the past, fostering a confident and cohesive society. Using excerpts from historical sources, he highlighted that Bharat has always been viewed as a unified civilization with great internal diversity, both by insiders and outsiders. Unity in diversity, he argued, has been the core theme of our civilization since ancient times, rather than a collection of fissiparous diverse lot.

Shri Atri’s deep knowledge and expertise in various fields made his talks fascinating for those interested in history and philosophy.