“Let Justice and Reason be our Guide.” In the 1570s, Akbar, the Muslim Emperor of Mughal India, began an audacious and visionary experiment which is still unique in history:  fostering pluralism by consulting with leaders of all faiths. He invited Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jews, Jains, Zoroastrians, and Sikhs to find common ground for peaceful coexistence.  Akbar was patron of a brilliant flowering of art, architecture, poetry, and science that was in part the product of his philosophy of tolerance. Although his religious project failed after his death, it offered a vision for the future that still has relevance in today’s troubled and divided world. In this illustrated talk, Michael Wood host of the PBS series “The Story of India” reflects on Akbar’s extraordinary personality and on what led the emperor on his very personal path towards tolerance and mutual understanding. 

Our 50th Anniversary Celebration includes a post-lecture reception with dance, food, and music.