Arvind Sharma (born 1940) is a distinguished scholar of comparative religion and Hindu studies, widely recognized for his pioneering contributions to the global understanding of Indian religions and interfaith dialogue. He is currently the Birks Professor of Comparative Religion at McGill University, Montreal, Canada.

Early Life and Education
Arvind Sharma was born in India and initially trained as a civil servant in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). His deep interest in spirituality and comparative thought led him to pursue higher studies in religion. He earned his Master’s degree in Theological Studies from Harvard Divinity School and later completed his Ph.D. in Sanskrit and Indian Studies from Harvard University.

Academic Career
Over the decades, Professor Sharma has taught at several leading universities around the world, including the University of Queensland (Australia) and McGill University (Canada). His research spans Hindu philosophy, comparative religion, human rights, gender studies, and religious pluralism.

He is especially known for reframing Hinduism within the broader discourse of world religions, advocating for its fair and accurate representation in academic study. His work often bridges Eastern and Western perspectives, integrating philosophical rigor with deep spiritual insight.

Major Works
Some of his most influential books include:

Hinduism and Its Sense of History

Feminism and World Religions (Editor)

A Hindu Perspective on the Philosophy of Religion

Modern Hindu Thought: An Introduction

Religious Tolerance: A History

Hermeneutics and Hindu Thought: Toward a Fusion of Horizons

He has also edited numerous volumes on the comparative study of religions, exploring themes such as religious tolerance, human rights, and gender equality in world faiths.

Influence and Recognition
Arvind Sharma is considered one of the foremost voices in modern Hindu studies. His work has been instrumental in bringing Hinduism into academic dialogue with global religious traditions, while emphasizing a cross-cultural, inclusive, and humanistic approach to understanding religion.

He has been honored with several awards and invited to deliver prestigious lectures worldwide, including at the Parliament of the World’s Religions and various interfaith forums.

Current Role
Birks Professor of Comparative Religion, McGill University, Canada

Professor Sharma continues to write, teach, and inspire dialogue on the spiritual and philosophical unity of humankind, promoting understanding between religions through scholarship and empathy.