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Time of India
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Flushed down the toilet': UC Berkeley student senate rejects Hindu Heritage month; sparks accusations of Hinduphobia, bullying
A video of the meeting, now widely shared on social media platform X, shows one student making a choking gesture and dramatically pretending to suffocate while the resolution was being discussed. (AP) In a decision that has ignited widespread backlash, the Associated Students of the University of California (ASUC) at UC Berkeley voted against a resolution to recognize October as Hindu Heritage Month , prompting outrage from Hindu students , advocacy groups, and civil rights observers. The proposal, Senate Resolution No. 2024/2025-042, was authored by a Caribbean Hindu student and focused solely on celebrating the contributions of Hindus to American society and the UC Berkeley campus. It highlighted Hindu achievements in science, technology, education, and the arts, deliberately avoiding any reference to Indian politics, Hindu nationalism, or current global events. Yet despite its apolitical tone, the resolution faced vehement opposition. Several student senators claimed the measure could be 'used to legitimize Hindu nationalist ideology,' even though those words appear nowhere in the text. The resolution failed to pass, with critics citing vague political concerns while allowing similar heritage recognitions for other groups to proceed without resistance. The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) called the vote discriminatory and accused the Senate of engaging in 'Hinduphobia masked as caution.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3 Reasons to Plug This Into Your Home Today elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Learn More Undo The organization condemned what it described as bullying behavior during the March 5 public meeting and singled out Senator Isha Chander for allegedly steering the discussion toward divisive political rhetoric. CoHNA also expressed solidarity with Senator Justin Taylor, who supported the resolution and, according to observers, faced hostility and mockery from colleagues during the debate. A video of the meeting, now widely shared on social media platform X, shows one student making a choking gesture and dramatically pretending to suffocate while the resolution was being discussed, a moment many interpreted as a disturbing display of disdain for Hindu concerns. CoHNA demanded a formal investigation, an apology to the Hindu student community, and accountability for what it called "public bullying of a fellow senator. " Adding to the controversy, the ASUC temporarily removed the video of the meeting from its Facebook page during student elections. Critics argue this move amounted to political censorship aimed at avoiding scrutiny. 'What are they trying to hide?' CoHNA questioned, calling the deletion 'deeply suspicious' and 'indicative of institutional bias.' The resolution's defeat has reignited concerns about unequal representation of minority faiths on campus. 'All three Abrahamic religions have formal representation at ASUC,' one student speaker said. 'But when it comes to Hindus, our culture is treated as a political threat. The resolution was flushed down the toilet', a crude phrase actually used by one senator during the session. While the ASUC defended its decision as a measure to avoid 'unintended political implications,' Hindu students and supporters argue that the episode reflects a deeper problem: the growing tendency to conflate cultural celebration with controversial geopolitics—especially when it involves Hindu identity. 'It's exhausting,' said one student. 'We just wanted to celebrate our heritage. Instead, we were told to defend politics we don't even identify with.' The debate at UC Berkeley is far from over, as Hindu student organizations, alumni, and advocacy groups now call for transparency, reform, and equal respect for all communities on campus—regardless of the geopolitical baggage others may project onto them.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
UC Berkeley rejects Hindu Heritage Month: Sparks debate on cultural identity and nationalism
UC Berkeley vote on Hindu Heritage Month raises concerns over cultural bias. (AP Photo) A controversial vote by the Associated Students of the University of California, Berkeley (ASUC) to reject a Hindu Heritage Month proposal has sparked widespread debate over cultural recognition and political sensitivities. A seven-minute video posted on X by @hinduoncampus captures the heated ASUC session, revealing tensions over the proposal's perceived links to Hindu nationalism . Authored by a Caribbean Hindu student, the bill aimed to celebrate Hindu culture but faced opposition for potentially legitimising nationalist ideology in the US. The decision has fuelled accusations of hinduphobia and raised questions about the treatment of Hindu students in American universities. Fears of nationalist ideology Senator Isha Chandar led the opposition, arguing that Hindu Heritage Month could be used to endorse Hindu nationalism. She proposed an alternative resolution celebrating religious diversity across South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, avoiding 'internationalist ideology.' Chandar also suggested Hindu Americans have privileges over other South Asian religious groups, framing the bill as potentially exclusionary. Senator Justin Taylor defended the proposal, frustrated by vague references to 'Hindu nationalist statements.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search Ads Get Info Undo He questioned the relevance of linking a Caribbean student's bill to Indian politics, stating, 'People have no clue exactly what they're referring to.' The debate turned personal, with Taylor condemning 'absolutely disgusting' attacks against him. Allegations of bias and bullying The X post and video allege Hindu representatives faced bullying, with subtitles noting students 'ganging up' on the community's advocate. The ASUC president apologised for perceived attacks, but the bill's rejection—despite offers to amend terms like 'Sanatan Dharma' (pronounced 'suh-NAH-tuhn DUH-muh')—intensified claims of discrimination. While other heritage months passed, the Hindu proposal faced unique scrutiny. The Caribbean authorship added confusion, with Taylor asking, 'Why is India being dragged into this?' Subtitles emphasised the bill's apolitical intent, warning against 'discriminatory' outcomes, yet the session exposed deep divisions and mistrust. Debating cultural representation The controversy highlights challenges in recognising Hindu heritage amid global political concerns. The video's subtitles note Hindu Heritage Month's 'complicated history,' citing its occasional ties to 'nationalist rhetoric and Hindu supremacy ideology.' Critics argue the ASUC misunderstood the proposal, conflating cultural pride with political motives. Supporters view the rejection as a missed opportunity for inclusivity. Amplified on X, the debate questions how universities navigate cultural recognition without political bias. The ASUC's decision has sparked calls for better representation of Hindu students and a more nuanced understanding of their identity in Western academia. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
