Delhi University plans to drop key texts on Hindu nationalism, Islam from syllabus

08-07-2025

In a fresh round of proposed syllabus changes, Delhi University is set to drop more critical and controversial readings from its postgraduate Political Science and History courses.Among the latest texts proposed for removal is Hindu Nationalism: A Reader by political scientist Christophe Jaffrelot. Currently listed as suggested reading in the PG Political Science course, the book traces the ideological roots of Hindu nationalism from the colonial period to the present. It discusses secularism, religious conversions, Hindu-Muslim relations, education, and Hindu identity in the diaspora.Amita Baviskar's In the Belly of the River, part of the course Public Policy in South Asia, is also likely to be removed. The book covers the Narmada Bachao Andolan and critiques the 'Hinduisation' of tribal communities -- topics considered sensitive by the review panel.Another book, Routine Violence by Gyanendra Pandey, has already been dropped. It examines the rise of right-wing nationalism and critiques key figures like VD Savarkar and MS Golwalkar, while challenging Gandhi's vision of Hindu villages. The book argues that post-Independence India remained stuck in Hindu-centric frameworks that marginalised minorities.HISTORY TEXTS ALSO UNDER REVIEWThe cuts aren't limited to Political Science. In the MA History programme, several key readings are also on the chopping block.Phillip Wagoner's essay Sultan Among Hindu Kings, which discusses Islamic influence on Hindu court culture at Vijayanagara, and Richard Eaton's The Rise of Islam and the Bengal Frontier, which presents Islam's spread as a socio-economic transition rather than forced conversions, are also facing removal. Critics claim Eaton's views contradict mainstream narratives of conquest.WIDER RESTRUCTURING IN LINE WITH POLICY AND POLITICSIn late June, DU approved the removal of entire papers from the PG Political Science syllabus that covered Pakistan, China, and Islam in global politics. These included Pakistan and the World, China's Role in the Contemporary World, Islam and International Relations, and Religious Nationalism and Political Violence.Faculty sources allege that the push to delete these topics came after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, in which Hindu tourists were killed. Professors were reportedly told to review course content seen as 'sympathetic' to Pakistan or China.Defending the changes, Dr Monami Sinha from DU's Standing Committee said, 'Studies in social science is about discussing problems and finding solutions whether pleasant or unpleasant—there needs to be a discussion. We need to have an objective approach.'According to procedure, the standing committee proposes changes, which are then cleared by the academic and executive councils. Many believe these revisions align with the government's National Education Policy.- Ends
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In a first, American Hindu Coalition endorses Pakistani American candidate in Virginia race

The Hindu

9 minutes ago

The Hindu

In a first, American Hindu Coalition endorses Pakistani American candidate in Virginia race

In what community leaders are calling a first-of-its-kind political move, the American Hindu Coalition (AHC), a right-leaning Hindu advocacy organisation, has endorsed Junaid Khan, a Pakistani American cybersecurity expert running for the Virginia House of Delegates in District 27. The AHC, which has built its platform around 'America First' economic policies, religious liberty protections, parental control in education, small-business growth, strong national defense, border security, and closer U.S.-India ties, has traditionally supported Indian American candidates. But its backing of Khan marks an unprecedented step across South Asia's longstanding divides. This endorsement is unusual not only because Hindu advocacy groups in the U.S. have historically thrown their weight behind Indian-origin candidates, but also because India and Pakistan remain bitter rivals in South Asia. The endorsement comes just months after the two nations exchanged hostilities following the Pahalgam terror attacks in Kashmir. For many observers, the move underscores how domestic U.S. conservative values are taking precedence over South Asian national identities and historical tensions. In a statement to 5WH, Srilekha Palle, representing AHC, explained the move: 'The American Hindu Coalition stands for a stronger America built on the principles of limited government, strong national defense, individual responsibility, and the enduring wisdom of Hindu enlightenment values. These ideals inspired America's Founding Fathers and remain vital to our republic today. We proudly endorse Junaid Khan because he embodies these principles in action. As a father, cybersecurity expert, and Loudoun resident, he brings discipline, integrity, and real-world expertise, not empty politics. His commitment to safer streets, stronger schools, and accountable governance reflects the values that American Hindus cherish and strengthens the very foundation of our American republic.' About Junaid Khan Mr. Khan, a naturalised U.S. citizen, has lived in Virginia for the past decade and built a career as a cybersecurity professional. He is campaigning on themes of 'Family First, Faith in America, Law and Order, and Opportunity for All.' Currently, the seat is held by Democrat Atoosa Reaser, who represents a district of more than 100,000 residents. While the district leans Democratic, shifting demographics — including a growing immigrant population — could play a pivotal role in November's election. In response to the endorsement, Mr. Khan expressed gratitude: 'The endorsement means so much to me. We share a commitment to service, prosperous communities, and opportunity for all.' The election is scheduled for November 4, and while Mr. Khan acknowledges the uphill battle of contesting in a largely blue district, he believes that support from Indian and Hindu American voters could provide a decisive edge. This article is published in an arrangement with

BJP MLA to move breach of privilege motion against advocate in Assembly

Hans India

3 hours ago

Hans India

BJP MLA to move breach of privilege motion against advocate in Assembly

Bengaluru: BJP MLA S R Vishwanath on Monday proposed to move a "breach of privilege" motion against an advocate he accused of "running a slander campaign" against him and the religious institution in Dharmasthala. Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil and Speaker U T Khader asked Vishwanth to submit a formal notice as per rules and assured it would be considered and referred to the privilege committee of the Assembly for action. Vishwanath's proposal follows a "Dharmasthala Chalo" rally he led to the temple town on Saturday, against a 'smear campaign' against Dharmasthala, the Hindu temples and traditions, following allegations of "multiple murders and burials" there. "I had spoken about an advocate named Jagadish indulging in a slander campaign against me and other political leaders, including the Chief Minister in the Assembly last week, which is my right. After that, he has again spoken ill about me for speaking in the Assembly," Vishwanath said. He accused the advocate of escalating his defamatory claims. "I had gone to Dharmasthala along with a few others as a devotee. We did not raise any political slogans. Following my visit to Dharmasthala, he (Advocate Jagadish) alleged that I have deposited Rs 100 crore black money with Dharmasthala's Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade. The advocate has alleged that I illegally got a property in Allalasandra, belonging to Heggade's family, denotified and sold it." "Every day, such things are happening, he (Advocate) is indulging in a breach of my privilege as MLA. If I can't speak in the Assembly, where should I speak? So I'm giving a breach of privilege notice," he added. In response, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil acknowledged Vishwanath's right to move the breach of privilege motion. "There are rules, accordingly, let him (Vishwanath) give a notice. Such incidents also amount to disrespecting the House. You give notice and the government will respond to it positively and I appeal to the Speaker to accept it," he said. Speaker Khader subsequently said, "I will forward what will be submitted to the committee (privilege committee). A decision will be made after discussion."

Even Telangana was a victim of ‘vote chori' conspiracy: CM

Hans India

4 hours ago

Hans India

Even Telangana was a victim of ‘vote chori' conspiracy: CM

Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has called upon all parties to join forces for a unified fight against the 'vote chori' conspiracy. He alleged that even Telangana fell prey to the conspiracy as were Bihar and Maharashtra, among others. The Chief Minister said that he and Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka would participate in Rahul Gandhi's 'vote adhikar yatra'. Addressing the 375th birth anniversary celebrations of Sri Sardar Sarvai Papanna Goud Maharaj here on Monday, he said that the Congress would thwart vote theft attempts being made by some political parties to win elections in Telangana. He alleged that the Election Commission had registered one crore voters in Maharashtra within four months, which helped BJP wrest power. He took strong exception to the Election Commission of India (ECI) for asking an affidavit from Rahul Gandhi, instead of acting against those guilty of the 'vote theft' scam. It was Rahul Gandhi who exposed vote theft in Bihar where around 65 lakh votes were deleted before the Assembly elections. Affirming that the 'people's government' will fulfil aspirations of the BC community, Revanth Reddy criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union minister of Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy for obstructing the implementation of 42 per cent BC quota in education, employment and political empowerment. He questioned the Union Government for opposing the BC quota citing quota based on religion to Muslims. The CM dared the BJP to scrap Muslim quota in Maharashtra, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. Clarifying that there is no mention of religious-based quota, the CM said that the Panchayat Raj act enacted during the KCR rule was a curse to the BC community.