Harvard University Issues Formal Apology Over Controversial Sanskrit Course Artwork
In a significant development, Harvard University has publicly apologized on its official website following widespread criticism over artwork used to promote a Sanskrit course. The apology was issued by the university's Department of South Asian Studies after the visual representation sparked accusations of being 'Hinduphobic' across social media platforms.
University Expresses 'Deep Regret' Over Insensitive Image
The prestigious institution stated it 'deeply regrets' sharing what it described as an 'insensitive' image associated with its Elementary Sanskrit program. Harvard emphasized that the Department of South Asian Studies maintains a 'long and celebrated' history of teaching Sanskrit and remains fully committed to the language's academic study.
The university further announced it is conducting a comprehensive review of its internal social media processes to ensure future posts better align with the 'mission and values' of the department. In a clarifying statement, Harvard noted that the controversial post had no connection with The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute, which operates as a 'separate and distinct entity' within the university structure.
What Sparked the Widespread Outrage?
The apology follows intense criticism from the Coalition of Hindus of North America, which took to social media to denounce what it characterized as 'blatant Hinduphobia' in the visual representation of the Elementary Sanskrit course. On platform X, the organization accused Harvard of cultural insensitivity for featuring an image that appeared 'straight out of a horror movie'.
The controversial artwork depicted a dark Hindu figure with traditional tilak markings, holding what was described as a 'ghostly figurine' in his hands. The coalition argued that Sanskrit, widely recognized as 'Hinduism's sacred language', was being introduced in what they perceived as a 'dark, manipulative and oppressive manner' that mirrored negative portrayals of the religion itself.
'This is how students are introduced to Sanskrit, one of the most ancient languages that has given birth to classic literature, arts, music, and so much more. The mother of many languages around the world,' the organization stated in its social media post, which specifically tagged Indian philanthropist Lakshmi Mittal, a significant benefactor of Harvard University.
Online Debate Continues Despite Apology
Despite Harvard's formal apology, the controversy continues to generate heated discussion across social media platforms. Some users argue that the university's response fails to address what they describe as ongoing 'Hinduphobia at Harvard' and within South Asian Studies departments globally.
One X user expressed a preference for the controversial artwork to remain public, claiming it exposed how Hindu culture is being 'targeted in the highest echelons of academia'. The user further criticized Indian business leaders for continuing to fund what they characterized as 'the wrong people' within academic institutions.
Another social media participant referenced a separate 2020 Harvard Press promotion featuring a book by Professor Ajantha Subramanian of Anthropology and South Asian Studies. That promotion included satirical artwork by Indian artist Gaganendranath Tagore depicting a priest in saffron robes crushing ordinary people under a massive millstone.
The ongoing discussion has prompted calls for Harvard to conduct a thorough audit of its department's 'entire history' of imagery and messaging that some claim evokes concepts of 'Saffron Terror'. Critics argue the Sanskrit course controversy represents more than just a 'deviation from their pious mission' and requires deeper institutional examination.
Some observers have noted that while the accompanying text for the Sanskrit course appeared 'neutral and somewhat appreciative of Sanskrit', the controversial imagery may have been strategically employed to bypass language detection systems scanning for anti-Hindu rhetoric. This aspect of the controversy continues to fuel debate about representation, academic freedom, and cultural sensitivity in higher education institutions.
