This grant was given to the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) in support of preparatory research towards the establishment of a network of Indian scholars for the study of religions. This will include preparation for the next International Association for the History of Religions Conference and to establish an academic association of scholars in this field along the lines of The American Association of Religion, preparation for the 2003 All-India Conference, and the international IAHR conference to be held in Tokyo in 2005. More information on the IAHR conferences can be found at: http://www.infinityfoundation.com/mandala/s_pr/s_pr_IAHR_frameset.htm.

The following studies were funded by CSDS under this grant:

a) Dr. Ramchandra Gandhi
Title: A book on 'Dharma' for young people

b) Dr. Rowena Robinson
Title: Translating 'Truth': The divine and Demonic in Christian 'Puranic' Literature of Early 17th Century Goa. (Two months field trip to Goa archives.)

c) Ashok Raj
Title: Religion in Indian Cinema: Film as a Reflector and Creative Interpreter of Popular Religious Faith, and its Role in Dealing with Inter-community Tolerance and Social Discontent. (Details to be finalised)

d) Rakesh Kapoor
Title: Religious Philanthropy: A Study on the Contribution of Religious Institutions to Charity and Social Development, their Management Systems and the Issues of Public Accountability. (Details being finalised)

e) Sri Kaushik Gangopadhyay
Title: Syncretic Cults and Communities in West Bengal: A study of Origin, Extant Practices and Norms. (Details being finalised)

f) Bharati Puri
Title: Deconstructing Engaged Buddhist Ethics.