A thought-provoking lecture exploring the Indian perspective on truth and beauty in Homer’s epics drew a captivated audience of around 40 on Tuesday, 27 May, at the Hellenic Club of Canberra.

Hosted by the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra (GOCCC), the Hellenic Club of Canberra, and Fair Canberra, the evening featured celebrated scholar Vidwen Sri Arjun Bharadwaj, who examined the deep cultural parallels between ancient Greek and Indian civilisations.
Titled Indian Perspective of Truth and Beauty in Homer’s Epics, the lecture unpacked universal human values from Greek mythology, interpretations of truth and beauty in Homer’s works, and striking cross-cultural similarities.


Bharadwaj, who studied Classical Greek at the University of Zurich, offered nuanced insights that resonated strongly with both scholars and community members.

Emceed by John Loukadellis of the GOCCC, the event welcomed several dignitaries including Nikolaos Varellas, Deputy Head of Mission at the High Commission of Cyprus; Andrew Satsias from the Hellenic Club; Nick Manikis from Fair Canberra; Elizabeth Minchin, former ANU Professor of Classics; and Shanti Reedy, President of the Hindu Council of ACT and Deputy Chair of Multicultural Canberra.

Organisers and attendees alike praised the event for its intellectual richness and the vibrant cultural dialogue it fostered between Greek and Indian traditions.