A controversy has erupted over a course on Hinduism offered by the University of Houston, wherein an Indian-American student has accused it of promoting "Hinduphobia" and distorting India's political and cultural landscape.
The course "Lived Hindu Religion," which is taught online by Professor Aaron Michael Ullrey, has been brought into question after Hindu activist and political science major Vasant Bhatt complained to the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, under which the course falls.
Bhatt has alleged that the course material and lectures distort Hinduism by framing it as a modern political construct rather than an ancient, lived tradition.According to Bhatt, Professor Ullrey allegedly stated that Hinduism is a “political tool” which is weaponized by “Hindu nationalists,” against the minorities in the country.
He also pointed to a passage in the course which defines “Hindutva” or “Hindu-ness” as a term used by Hindu nationalists - those who advocate for Hinduism as India’s official religion - “to denigrate others, namely Islam.”
Bhatt additionally claimed that Professor Ullrey referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “Hindu fundamentalist” and suggested that India is a Hindu nationalist state which actively oppresses minorities.
The Indian-American student further argues that “political disagreements are welcomed, but fabricating extremism under the basis of Hindu identity is not.”
As per a report by India Today, the University of Houston has responded by acknowledging the concerns and has stated that it is reviewing the content of the course.
The controversy comes at a time of heightened sensitivity around religious and cultural representation in academia.
Just a day ago, on March 26, 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs in India rubbished a report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which claimed that religious intolerance and discrimination against minorities were rising in the nation.
