A distinguished scholar in Sanskrit and Indian religions at Cardiff University, Professor James Hegarty emphasized the complexity of India, urging against the Western tendency to reduce the country to a singular spiritual narrative. Professor shared insights from his academic journey and personal experiences that have refined his understanding of Indian culture. Notably, the professor leads the school of History, Archaeology and Religion highlighted the multifaceted nature of Indian literature and religion. He said, ‘India cannot be confined to one narrative’.
His academic voyage into Indian studies was not only scholarly but also deeply personal, evolving over the years of engagement with Sanskrit texts and Hindu philosophy. The professor’s fascination with Indian mythology started at a young age, sparked by global arts exposure from liberal grandparents and fueled by narratives from his Christian schooling. He recalled, ‘Watching adaptations of the Mahabharata and diving into comic books critiquing Western perspectives opened my eyes to non-Western worldviews’.
Key figures such as Krishna and Gandhari from Mahabharata have captured his interest. Krishna, portrayed as both humane and divine, offers layers of interpretation that Professor Hegarty finds endlessly compelling. Meanwhile, Gandhari’s moral steadfastness and personal sacrifice symbolize the deep ethical considerations within Indian epics.
Professor Hegarty’s academic career, marked by an M.A from the University of Manchester and a PhD supported by prestigious bodies like the British Academy, has been dedicated to exploring how religious narratives shape identity and societal structures in South Asia. His work spans across Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Sikh and Christian traditions, focusing on how these stories influence modern interpretations of life, politics and history.
A recent visit to a BAPS Swaminarayan temple further enriched his perspective, offering a serene environment that allowed him to reflect on his studies from a new angle. He added, ‘Engaging with these traditions has not only been about academic pursuit but has profoundly influenced my personal worldview
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