Editorial

The current issue of the JHV carries an interesting mix of research papers. While it has an article dealing with workplace spirituality in a straightforward fashion, there are other articles which delve into other locales of values such as folklore, schools, Sufi mysticism and the like. Moureen Kalita and Dev N. Pathak bring out the contemporariness of Bihu—a dance form from the north-eastern state of Assam in India. Sadan Jha’s article is an innovative take on the multiple registers of colour—from extortion to exalted devotion in the Sufi tradition to hierarchy-infused contemporary political practices. Public institutions like schools are the fountainhead of modern secular values. Such values are invariably suffused with the vision of good life and a good society. They are equally premised on the ideals of liberal democracy and capitalist economy. Vikas Maniar’s article examines a range of schooling practices and their foundational assumptions in relation to postcolonial societies. After all, the pursuit of good life remains a value-laden enterprise and is historically conditioned. This issue also includes a stimulating conversation among four scholars interested in the study of religion. Study of religion has often captured the imagination of some of the bright minds in the course of human history. By engaging with both classical works and classroom practices, this conversation critically maps out the characteristic contours of an existing area of disciplinary enquiry—sociology/anthropology of religion. The conversation has particular resonance for India, as it puts into sharp relief multiple pedagogic forms and institutional sites through which textual canons get transmitted and enacted. Unlike the usual format of a conversation, where an established scholar reflects and ruminates on her/his scholarly accomplishments and professional trajectory, this conversation is a dialogue among equals. We wish to carry this feature in the subsequent issues. The issue concludes with the review of a book on a topical theme of immense significance—Pentecostalism and Politics of Conversion in India (Cambridge, 2018). The diversity of contents and the plurality of perspectives have been the hallmarks of JHV, and we remain committed to them. I do hope that you find the issue intellectually rewarding. As usual, I look forward to your continued support and feedback.