The US prestigious Institute of the University of Houston defended its course about the Hindu religion after an indication-American student and the activist claimed that the course was disrupting Hinduism and supports “Hinduphobia”.
Vasant Bhatt, a political science at the University of Houston, filed a formal complaint by the Dean of College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and claimed that the program “experienced Hindu religion” – taught by Professor Aaron Michael Ullrey, distortion of Hinduism as political instruments of Hindu Nationalists.
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The university advocating the course said that concepts like “Hindutva” and “fundamentalism” were used analytically and not criticize religion itself.
The course examines the historical, social and political aspects of Hinduism and examines the diverse ways in which religion is practiced and understood.
Bhatt, however, expressed dissatisfaction with reaction and accused the Ministry of Religious Studies at the University of Houston, which turned away from the main problem.
He was concerned about Professor Aaron Michael Ullrey’s depiction of Hinduism.
Explanation of the University of Houston
Shawn Lindsey, Head of Vice President/Vice -Chairman of the Chancellor for Strategic Communication at the University of Houston, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to academic freedom and defended the integrity of the course, emphasized its scientific approach to studying religion.
Varsity also stated that the problems that Bhatt were thoroughly reviewed were reviewed by Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and the director of religious studies who discussed this matter with Professor Ullrey.
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The course is an academic survey of Hinduism, which uses scientific frameworks to analyze its historical development and political context, he added.
“The purpose of the course is to help students understand how religions, including Hinduism, develop and communicate with political, social and historical forces,” the university said.
“Academic freedom allows the faculty to explore complex problems and we are still determined to offer courses that support thoughtful and balanced discussions,” he added.
According to the PTI report, Professor Ullrey said that the course is not focused on the presentation of Hinduism as a singular static tradition, but rather as a complex and evolving set of faith and practices.
“I never reported anything for Hinduism,” Ullrey said.
“The course focuses on the historical, social and political contexts of Hinduism and emphasizes its diversity and development.”
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