Younus Samadzada, who was born in Kabul in 1948, will speak on the changes in the character of religion and culture in Afghanistan over the last few decades. The region has a long history of being open to many diverse religions: both Sunni and Shia Muslims, Zoroastrians, Sikhs, Hindus, Jews, Roman Catholics, and Buddhists. Very few adherents to these religions remain. By the 1950s, the dominant religion had become Sunni Muslim. In recent years, the government and warring factions have instituted strict adherence. The free talk is sponsored by The Capital District Humanist Society in room 224 at the Sage Colleges albany Campus Center on New Scotland Avenue at Academy Road in Albany. Refreshments will be served at 12:30 p.m. and the program starts at 1:15 p.m.