Klaus Klostmaier (1978-1979)

Klaus Klostermaier was University Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Manitoba, where he began working in 1970. He was born in Munich, Germany, but lived in India for almost 10 years as a missionary and theology teacher. He first received a PhD in philosophy from the Gregorian University in Rome in 1961. He then received a doctorate in Ancient Indian History and Culture in 1969 from the University of Bombay. His experience in India led to his appointment as advisor on non-Christian religions to the Papal office in the Vatican. At the University of Manitoba, he was the founder and first director of the Asian Studies Centre and also the Head of the Religion Department. Klostermaier was a prominent scholar of Hinduism and Indian history and culture. He authored numerous books about India’s religions and philosophies, often exploring the relationship between science and religion. His books include Nature of Nature: Explorations in Science, Philosophy, and Religion (2004) and Mythologies and Philosophies of Salvation in the Theistic Traditions of India (1984). He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 1998.