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Conferences and conventions

Rutgers University Confronts Backlash Over Conference Targeting Hindu American Community

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Hindu American Foundation has issued an open letter to Rutgers University, objecting to an upcoming conference titled 'Hindutva in America: A threat to Equality and Religious Pluralism.' The event, scheduled to take place on October 27, aims to discuss a report released six months ago, which labels Hindutva as an 'ethnonationalist threat' to equality and religious pluralism. The Hindu American Foundation has accused the report of equating Hindutva with white supremacy or fascism and falsely claiming ties between HAF and the RSS.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Hindu American Foundation has expressed its objection to the conference, requesting Rutgers University to dissociate itself from the event.
  • The report criticizes Hindutva, stating it is not equivalent to Hinduism and works against American values by promoting supremacist ideas and discriminatory conduct.
  • The report suggests that the US government should impose sanctions on individuals who facilitate or provide material support for anti-minority violence in India.
  • The Hindu American Foundation has clarified its stance, stating it is not affiliated with the RSS and that the report's claims are false.
  • Rutgers University's event logo is being used without the university's endorsement, according to HAF director Suhag Shukla.
  • The event has been met with outrage from the Hindu American community, with many expressing their opposition to the conference.

Statistics:

  • October 27 is the scheduled date for the conference.
  • Six months have passed since the report was released.
  • The report suggests imposing sanctions on individuals who facilitate anti-minority violence in India.
  • The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has clarified its stance, stating it is not affiliated with the RSS.

Sources:

  • The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) - an open letter expressing objection to the conference
  • Rutgers University - a press release criticizing the conference
  • Times of India - an article discussing the controversy
  • Rutgers Center for Security Race and Rights - the report on Hindutva in America

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