Does the term Hinduphobia exist academically? Yes, at least in Rutgers University, if not at Indian varsities
Rutgers University Student association passed a resolution to adopt a scholarly definition of Hinduphobia. This is the first time that a US university, for that matter any university in this world has institutionally recognized Hinduphobia through its student assembly.
A resolution numbered 1451-XX was passed on Saturday (April 24) by the Rutgers University Student Assembly (RUSA). This resolution is not an ordinary one as for the first time a scholarly definition of Hinduphobia was defined in detail and accepted by a university on this planet. Hinduphobia for long has been an academically untouched topic due to vested political interests. This is a landmark and long-awaited resolution.
The accepted academic definition of Hinduphobia by the resolution is listed below:
The scholarly definition of Hinduphobia was defined after deliberations, discussions, and meetings were done at the ‘Understanding Hinduphobia’ Conference organized by the students. Rutgers HSC emphasized that it was important to protect the interests of the Hindu students on the campus of Rutgers University.
The development comes as a major victory for the Hindu students on the Rutgers University campus, who have been fighting against ” Hinduphobic ” faculties for a long.
Chancellor of Rutgers University, Christopher J Molloy issued a statement soon after the resolution was passed which said, “My full commitment that Hindu faculty and staff can learn and practice in an environment where they feel safe, valued, and respected.”
Many non-Hindu students also supported the step initiated by the RUSA and have spoken in favor of the resolution. One from Armenia named Alex came in front saying Armenian American community stands in solidarity with the Hindu community in America. Another Nick Labelle said “It is important to protect Hindu students against Hinduphobia.” he even threw light on the fact that “Reported incidents against Hindu students have increased since 2017.”
The movement to pass this resolution was commenced earlier in March this year when a controversial ‘Historian’ and Professor Audrey Truschke of Rutgers Newark University continually made bigoted comments on Sanatan Dharma and its scriptures.
Calling the greatest Lord Ram as a ” misogynistic pig “, white-washing Hindu genocide committed by the Mughal tyrant Aurangzeb, comparing a horrific case of gang rape in India to a verse in Mahabharata, the list is endless.
Such statements might have lead to a potential threat to the security of the Hindu students on the campus which could have led to potential attacks and bullying.
Such airy waves of Anti-Hindu sentiments and remarks made by Professionals like Audrey Truschke on various occasions created an atmosphere of fear for the Hindu students. On complaining to the university about Audrey Truschke, it failed to take any action but instead supported her for the comments with even her fellow faculties taking the same stance.
Though this resolution will not have any impact on the bigoted professor but will at least accept the existence of Hinduphobia on campus. Also, the solidarity shown by the students will make the Hindu students feel at ease against the Hinduphobic faculties. Hope, such resolutions are passed at universities across the world so that no religion or belief gets discriminated against.
