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Vishal Mangalwadi (1949-) is an international lecturer, social reformer, political columnist, and author of thirteen books. Born and raised in India, he studied philosophy at universities, in Hindu ashrams, and at L’Abri Fellowship in Switzerland. In 1976 he turned down several job offers in the West to return to India where he and his wife, Ruth, founded a community to serve the rural poor. Vishal continued his involvement in community development serving at the headquarters of two national political parties, where he worked for the empowerment and liberation of peasants and the lower castes.

His first book, The World of Gurus, was published in 1977 by India's Vikas Publishing House, and serialized in India’s then-largest weekly, Sunday. It was Mangalwadi’s books, In Search of Self and India: The Grand Experiment, that first brought his works to the attention of the American public. In demand worldwide, Vishal is a dynamic, engaging speaker who has lectured in 32 countries. He enjoys simplifying complex ideas and inspiring despairing hearts with hope.

Vishal and Ruth are currently in the United States exploring The Soul of Western Civilization - the Bible. This study was inspired by Vishal and Ruth's recognition of India's need for the reforming power of the Bible. The first fruits of their research are available in (i) Eight-Part lecture series "The Book of the Millennium" and (11) Eleven-part lecture series "Must the Sun Set On the West?" available from www.SoughtAfterMedia.com.

   
 

B.A.—Philosophy, Politics, & English; University of Allahabad

M.A.—Philosophy; University of Indore

LL.D.—William Carey International University, Pasadena, CA

Farel House student at L’Abri Fellowship, Switzerland

Founder & CEO of the Association for Comprehensive Rural Assistance, Chhattarpur, M.P., India (1976-1983)

Co-founder & director of the Theological Research and Communication Institute, New Delhi (1984-1987)

Convener for the Peasant Commission of the Janata Party (1984-1987)

Assistant to the National President of the Bahujan Samaj Party (1989-1994)

Recipient of the Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Distinguished National Service Award (1996)

Contributing Editor for the International Indian, United Arab Emirates (1995-2003)

Fellow of the MacLaurin Institute, University of Minnesota (1996-present)

Director of South Asian Resources (September 2000-present)