Delhi's Deep Dive: A Timeless Debate on God, Humanity, and the Power of Conversation

You know, there are some questions that just never get old, never lose their power to spark conversation, sometimes even spirited disagreement. And right there, in the bustling heart of our capital city, Delhi, one such timeless query recently took centre stage: the very existence, or perhaps, the nature, of God. This wasn't just any academic discussion, though; it was a vibrant, deeply engaging exchange, part of the 'Anubhuti' series – a name that itself suggests an 'experience' rather than just an argument – thoughtfully put together by the India International Centre (IIC) and The Little Book of Questions.

Stepping up first, Kapil Sibal, a renowned senior advocate and a Rajya Sabha MP, presented a perspective that many might find relatable in our increasingly scientific age. He described himself as an agnostic, candidly admitting, 'I am a man of science.' For Sibal, the absence of definitive scientific proof – either for or against – keeps the question open. He thoughtfully probed into the concepts of divine punishment, the very nature of a creator, and challenged the notion of blind faith, urging everyone instead to prioritise compassion and simple humanity above all else.

Then came Dr. Karan Singh, a distinguished philosopher and statesman, who offered a beautifully nuanced, deeply spiritual viewpoint. He spoke not of an anthropomorphic, human-like God, but rather of a profound, divine cosmic consciousness – a universal spirit that permeates everything. Drawing wisdom from the Upanishads and the rich tapestry of Vedic traditions, he passionately articulated how true religion, at its core, should always inspire profound compassion and selfless service to others. It was a gentle yet firm reminder that spirituality, in its purest form, transcends rigid doctrine.

Pawan K. Varma, a former diplomat and prolific author, chimed in with a crucial distinction, one I think many of us grapple with: the difference between personal 'faith' and organised 'religion.' He acknowledged the profound comfort and sense of community that religion often provides, yet, ever the realist, also pointed out its undeniable potential for conflict and division. His compelling insight was that the divine, perhaps, isn't some external entity, but rather something intrinsic, nestled deep within each one of us.

Guiding this fascinating intellectual journey was Dr. Sukrita Paul Kumar, an academic and poet, who deftly moderated the session. And boy, did the audience respond! The hall buzzed with questions – thoughtful, challenging, and wonderfully diverse – reflecting just how deeply these ideas resonate with people from all walks of life. It wasn't about seeking simple answers, but rather about exploring the labyrinthine pathways of belief and doubt together.

Ultimately, what truly shone through that evening wasn't about one speaker 'winning' or about convincing anyone of a particular belief. Far from it, actually. Instead, it was a powerful, beautiful testament to the sheer importance of open conversation, of truly listening, and of respectfully engaging with perspectives that might differ wildly from our own. In a world often fractured by rigid beliefs, such dialogues are more vital than ever, gently reminding us that our shared humanity and capacity for empathy should always, always take precedence. It truly was an 'Anubhuti' – an experience – that went far beyond mere words.