In Memoriam: Dr. Joseph Prabu

October 7, 2021

The Parliament of the World’s Religions is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Joseph Prabhu on Monday, September 27, 2021, at the age of 75.
Joseph Prabhu was an Internationally distinguished philosopher and peace activist who was active in the interfaith movement for more than 40 years on three continents. He served on the Board of the Parliament of the World’s Religions for 14 years and was the Program Chair of the 2009 Melbourne Convening, beginning in 2007 he was Co-Chair of the Southern California Committee for a Parliament of the World’s Religions (SCCPWR).

A Catholic born in Mangalore, India, he was raised and Jesuit-educated in Kolkata, before doing graduate work in philosophy at Cambridge and Boston University. He taught for thirty years at California State University, Los Angeles, and was a fellow or visiting scholar at many leading universities as well as President of the Society for Asian and Comparative Philosophy. Joseph was the author or editor of many important works, including books on Raimon Panikkar and Gandhi. His commitment to the interfaith movement was deep and enduring and we honor his memory with gratitude.

The Parliament extends our deepest condolences to Dr. Prabhu’s family, loved ones, interfaith colleagues, and his global community.


Land Acknowledgment

The Parliament of the World's Religions acknowledges it is situated on the traditional homelands of the Bodéwadmik (Potawatomi), Hoocąk (Winnebago/Ho’Chunk), Jiwere (Otoe), Nutachi (Missouria), and Baxoje (Iowas); Kiash Matchitiwuk (Menominee); Meshkwahkîha (Meskwaki); Asâkîwaki (Sauk); Myaamiaki (Miami), Waayaahtanwaki (Wea), and Peeyankihšiaki (Piankashaw); Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo); Inoka (Illini Confederacy); Anishinaabeg (Ojibwe), and Odawak (Odawa).

PoWR recognizes the region we now call Chicago remains home to a diversity of Indigenous peoples today and this land upon which we walk, live, and play continues to be Indigenous land.


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