Indian-American Student Alleges ‘Hinduphobia’ At University of Houston, Claims Prof Referred India As Hindu Nationalist State

A course on Hinduism at the University of Houston has come under scrutiny after an Indian-American student accused it of being "Hinduphobic" and distorting India's political landscape. After the protest, the university stated that it is reviewing the concerns raised regarding the course titled "Lived Hindu Religion."

Vasant Bhatt, a political science major and Hindu-American activist, criticised the course, claiming that it misrepresents Hinduism and unfairly brands India. Bhatt filed a complaint with the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, under which the course is being offered, reported India Today.

According to the report, Bhatt stated that Professor Aaron Michael Ullrey, who delivers the course online through weekly video lectures, allegedly described Hinduism not as an "ancient, lived tradition" but as a "political tool" used by Hindu nationalists to oppress minorities.

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Bhatt also claimed that in a recorded lecture on "political Hinduism," Professor Ullrey referred to India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "Hindu fundamentalist" and implied that India was a Hindu nationalist state actively oppressing minorities.

As per the report, Bhatt cited a passage from the course syllabus which states that the word "Hindu" is a recent term and not found in ancient scriptures. The syllabus reportedly further claims that "Hindutva" is used by Hindu nationalists to designate their religion while denigrating others, particularly Islam.

Hindu on Campus, a student-led platform advocating against Hinduphobia, supported Bhatt’s concerns. "Political disagreements are welcomed, but fabricating extremism under the basis of Hindu identity is not," the group stated.

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Following the complaint, Bhatt reported that the response from the university was unsatisfactory. He alleged that the department attempted to discredit his concerns rather than address the core issue.

University officials, however, asserted that while academic freedom is upheld, curriculum oversight is maintained to ensure pedagogical standards. "We are reviewing the concerns raised and will address the issue as needed," said Shawn Lindsey, Senior Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications.