Apr 05 2025 to Apr 05 2025 6:30 p.m.

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

India’s sacred geography is deeply intertwined with its faith traditions. From the high Himalayas to the deltas of Bengal, pilgrimage sites shape religious identity and practice. But does faith change with geography? As Siddharth Kapila’s Tripping Down the Ganga illustrates, the landscapes of belief are as varied as the river itself. This discussion will explore how space and spirituality interact, examining whether the physical terrain of India influences religious experiences and devotion.

At the same time, pilgrimage isn’t just about faith—it is also about people, economics, and accessibility. The Kumbh Mela, for example, draws millions of devotees, but is its vast scale primarily a reflection of religious fervor, or does it reveal deeper socio-economic realities? If a majority of those undertaking long pilgrimages belong to lower-income groups, does this suggest that faith is a necessity for the marginalized? Or is it a space where spiritual and economic aspirations converge?

This conversation featuring Siddharth Kapila and Shrinivas Gorur will weave together perspectives on faith and geography, as well as the economics of religion in India.

Speakers

Siddharth Kapila
Author
Siddharth Kapila is a lawyer turned writer. He has written for The Wire, Livemint and The Indian Express, among other publications, with a primary focus on the Hindu faith and culture. He holds a Legal Practice Course (LPC) postgraduate diploma from The University of Law, London, a BA in Law from Cardiff University, UK and a BA (Hons) in Economics from Delhi University.

He was born and raised in Delhi. Tripping Down the Ganga (published by Speaking Tiger) is his first book.

Shrinivas Gorur
Practicing Technologist
Shrinivas Gorur is a practicing technologist who trained as an Aeronautical Engineer. He loves problem solving, especially when it involves innovatively using technology to solve problems with significant positive impact to society and community. His corporate career has spanned management consulting (incl the Big Four), some of the largest companies besides a startup. Shrini’s corporate career over the last decade is focused on technology in the retail industry. He is a graduate of IIT Bombay and has a Doctorate from Oxford University.