Pranneil Thankavel

Hi! My name is Pranneil Thankavel. I am majoring in conservation biology and environmental studies with a certificate in global health. I grew up in a Hindu household, and I saw from each of my parents quite unique approaches to their religious practice. My dad has long encouraged me to learn from the teachers of all faiths — as I have grown older, I have taken such a disposition. I have embraced the Buddhist tradition of Vietnamese Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh. I have also felt pulled towards the Christian path as of late. I believe that in creating deep religious tolerance within my heart, I can have true dialogue with anyone. All that I have experienced through spiritual life has made me feel that I am coming closer to my “true person”, that I am slowly coming to know more about the mystery. I hope that through being an Interfaith Fellow at the Center for Interfaith Dialogue I can expand my understanding of the world’s spiritual traditions, and deeply converse with like-minded individuals. I also hope that the fellowship will help me create bridges between people of very different minds; I feel that if we can bridge between religious views then surely we can bridge anything — and move beyond our current human intolerance.