Stanford University Cancels Talk by Thenmozhi Soundararajan: A Victory for Indian Americans Fighting Caste Misconceptions
Stanford University has cancelled a talk by Thenmozhi Soundararajan, an anti-Hindu radical activist and the Executive Director of Equality Labs. Soundararajan is a Dalit American commentator on religion, race, caste, gender, technology, and justice, and the author of The Trauma of Caste. The talk, titled “Dalit Journalism, Activism & Leadership: Firesidechat with Kavita Devi and Thenmozhi Soundararajan,” was being sponsored by the university's Center of South Asia.
It is important to understand the context of this decision. Caste is a complex issue in India, and it is often misunderstood and misinterpreted in the West. Caste is barely an issue in North America. Most Hindus living in North America do not even know their caste nor do they subscribe to such a mentality.
Unfortunately, anti-Hindu activists like Soundararajan often use the issue of caste to attack Hinduism and Hindu identity. This is not only inaccurate, but it is also harmful and divisive. As Executive Director of Equality Labs, she pushed false information
The cancellation of Soundararajan’s talk is a victory for those who believe in promoting informed and respectful dialogue. It is important for universities to uphold academic integrity and to promote informed and respectful dialogue. Soundararajan’s views are based on misinformation and prejudice, and they have no place in academic discourse. While it is important to have a nuanced and informed discussion about caste, this discussion should not be used to attack Hinduism or Hindus. Universities have a responsibility to uphold academic integrity and to promote informed and respectful dialogue, and Stanford University’s decision to cancel the talk was the right thing to do.
