AAS Statement on the Dismantling Global Hindutva Conference

September 10, 2021

Statement by the Association for Asian Studies Board of Directors

In keeping with its commitment to academic freedom, the AAS supports the “Dismantling Global Hindutva: Multidisciplinary Perspectives” conference scheduled for September 10-12 and condemns the harassment and intimidation of conference participants, organizers, and co-sponsors. We understand that Hindutva is a majoritarian ideological doctrine that conflates a limited interpretation of Hinduism with the religion itself and with the larger Indian national and cultural identity. The growth and entrenchment of the ideology of Hindutva have, regrettably, been accompanied by increasing attacks on numerous scholars, artists and journalists who critically analyze its politics. It is urgent at this moment that we support our colleagues in South Asian studies and uphold the values of academic autonomy, inquiry, and integrity.