Arvind Sharma: A Distinguished Scholar of Comparative Religion

Arvind Sharma is one of the most respected scholars in the field of comparative religion and Hindu studies. Known for his deep academic insight and prolific writings, he has contributed significantly to global discussions on religion, philosophy, and interfaith understanding. Over several decades, Sharma has built an impressive reputation as a scholar, teacher, and author whose work bridges Eastern and Western intellectual traditions. His scholarship focuses on Hinduism, philosophy of religion, the comparative study of world religions, and the role of women in religious traditions.

Early Life and Education

Arvind Sharma was born on 13 January 1940 in Varanasi (then Benares), a city long associated with Hindu scholarship and spirituality. Growing up in an environment rich in religious and cultural traditions likely influenced his later intellectual pursuits. He completed his Bachelor’s degree from Allahabad University in 1958, studying history, economics, and Sanskrit.

Following his undergraduate studies, Sharma initially pursued a career in public administration. He joined the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and served in the state of Gujarat from 1962 to 1968.

Although his administrative career was promising, Sharma developed a strong academic interest in the relationship between economics, society, and religion. This intellectual curiosity led him to leave the civil services and pursue higher studies abroad. He enrolled at Syracuse University in the United States, where he completed a Master’s degree in economics in 1970.

During this period, Sharma’s academic interests gradually shifted toward religious studies. To explore these questions further, he joined Harvard Divinity School, earning a Master of Theological Studies in 1974. He later completed his PhD in Sanskrit and Indian Studies from Harvard University in 1978.

Academic Career

After completing his doctoral studies, Sharma began a distinguished academic career spanning several countries and institutions. Early in his career he taught at the University of Queensland in Australia and later at the University of Sydney. These teaching experiences allowed him to refine his research interests in comparative religion and expand his engagement with global academic communities.

In 1987, Sharma joined McGill University in Montreal, Canada, where he became associated with the Faculty of Religious Studies. Over time he rose to hold the prestigious Birks Professorship in Comparative Religion.

At McGill, Sharma established himself as a leading authority in the study of world religions. His courses and lectures explored complex religious traditions through comparative analysis, encouraging students to understand faith systems within their cultural and philosophical contexts. His work contributed to a broader academic understanding of Hinduism and its interactions with other religions.

Contributions to Comparative Religion

Sharma’s scholarship is notable for its interdisciplinary nature. Rather than studying religions in isolation, he emphasizes comparative analysis—examining similarities and differences between religious traditions. His research focuses on Hinduism, Advaita Vedanta, philosophy of religion, and interfaith dialogue.

One of his key intellectual contributions has been the effort to present Hindu thought within global academic discourse. Historically, many Western studies of religion focused primarily on Christianity or Abrahamic traditions. Sharma’s work helped broaden this framework by placing Hindu philosophy and religious practices alongside other global traditions.

Another important aspect of his scholarship is the exploration of religion’s relationship with social issues such as human rights, gender equality, and pluralism. He has written extensively about the role of women in religion and edited several influential books on the topic. These works have contributed to the growing field of gender studies in religious scholarship.

Major Publications

Arvind Sharma is an exceptionally prolific writer. Over the course of his career he has authored or edited more than fifty books and hundreds of academic articles.

Some of his most influential works include:

• Our Religions – A widely used academic text introducing major world religions through essays written by scholars belonging to each tradition.
• Women in World Religions – A pioneering work examining the role and representation of women across religious traditions.
• Feminism in World Religions – A notable book that was selected as a Choice Outstanding Academic Book in 1999.
• The Philosophy of Religion and Advaita Vedanta – A study exploring the philosophical foundations of Hindu thought.
• Hinduism as a Missionary Religion – A work analyzing the historical spread and adaptability of Hindu traditions.

These publications have been widely cited in academic research and are often used in university courses around the world.

Intellectual Themes in His Work

Several themes consistently appear in Sharma’s scholarship.

1. Interfaith Dialogue
Sharma has been a strong advocate for dialogue between religions. He argues that understanding other faith traditions promotes global harmony and mutual respect.

2. Hinduism in Global Perspective
Much of his work focuses on explaining Hindu philosophy to a global audience. By presenting Hindu ideas in comparative frameworks, he helps scholars understand the unique contributions of Indian philosophical traditions.

3. Religion and Human Rights
Sharma has explored how religious traditions can support or challenge modern concepts of human rights. His writings examine how different faith systems address issues such as freedom, equality, and social justice.

4. Women in Religion
Another major area of his research is the role of women within religious traditions. His work has helped bring attention to gender issues in religious scholarship.

Recognition and Honors

Over the years, Sharma’s contributions to scholarship have received international recognition. His academic achievements have earned him invitations to speak at universities and conferences around the world.

In 2025, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri, one of the country’s highest civilian awards, recognizing his contributions to literature and education.

This award acknowledged not only his scholarly accomplishments but also his role in promoting Indian intellectual traditions globally.

Legacy and Influence

Arvind Sharma’s influence extends beyond academia. Through his books, lectures, and conferences, he has helped bring Indian philosophical traditions into mainstream global discussions on religion and ethics.

His scholarship demonstrates that religion can be studied not merely as a system of beliefs but as a complex cultural and philosophical phenomenon. By combining rigorous academic research with a deep understanding of religious traditions, Sharma has helped create a more inclusive and nuanced field of religious studies.

Students, scholars, and readers worldwide continue to engage with his writings, which remain important resources for understanding comparative religion. His work also serves as a bridge between Eastern and Western intellectual traditions, fostering a deeper appreciation for the diversity of religious thought.

Conclusion

Arvind Sharma stands among the most influential contemporary scholars of comparative religion. From his early beginnings in Varanasi to his distinguished academic career at McGill University, he has dedicated his life to exploring the complexities of religion and philosophy. His extensive publications, interdisciplinary research, and commitment to interfaith understanding have made lasting contributions to global scholarship.

By examining religious traditions through a comparative lens, Sharma has helped scholars and readers better understand the spiritual and philosophical foundations of human civilization. His work continues to inspire new generations of researchers interested in religion, philosophy, and cultural dialogue.