Harvard University Issues Formal Apology Over Sanskrit Course Artwork Controversy
Harvard University has issued a formal apology following a social media post by its Department of South Asian Studies that featured artwork related to its Sanskrit programme. The post ignited widespread allegations of insensitivity and bias across online platforms, leading to a significant backlash from the Hindu community and advocacy groups.
Controversy Erupts Over Elementary Sanskrit Course Image
The controversy began when an image used to represent Harvard's Elementary Sanskrit course drew sharp criticism on social media. The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) accused the university of promoting what it described as "blatant Hinduphobia." The organisation claimed that the artwork portrayed Sanskrit and Hinduism in a dark and negative manner, framing them as oppressive.
According to CoHNA, the visual depicted a dark Hindu figure with a tilak holding what appeared to be a ghostly figurine. This representation, they argued, mischaracterised the ancient language and its cultural significance, potentially influencing students' perceptions negatively.
Harvard's Response and Internal Review
In response to the mounting backlash, the Department of South Asian Studies released a formal statement expressing deep regret. The department stated, "The South Asian Studies Department deeply regrets the posting of an insensitive image in relation to our Sanskrit program. As a department, we have a long and celebrated history of teaching Sanskrit, and we remain committed to teaching the language and the great intellectual and cultural tradition it carries."
The department further announced that it is reviewing its internal processes to prevent similar incidents in the future. "We are reviewing our internal social media process to ensure future posts more accurately reflect the mission and values of the Department." Additionally, it clarified that the post was unrelated to another Harvard entity, specifying, "We would also like to clarify that the social media post in question has no connection whatsoever with The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute, which is a separate and distinct entity at Harvard."
CoHNA Welcomes Apology and Highlights Sanskrit's Importance
CoHNA welcomed the apology and shared Harvard's statement on X, describing it as "one of the rare moments where a university department has formally apologized for their Hinduphobic insensitivity." The organisation expressed satisfaction with the department's acknowledgment, noting its appreciation for the respect shown toward Sanskrit.
In its posts, CoHNA emphasised the global impact of Sanskrit, stating, "We are glad to see the department showing respect and appreciation for an ancient language that has made a huge impact on civilizations around the world." The group had earlier raised concerns about how Sanskrit is introduced to students, highlighting its role as a mother of many languages and a source of classic literature, arts, and music.
Artwork Details and Broader Implications
Further investigation revealed that the artwork in question, titled Master of Puppets, was reportedly created by Indian artist Anirudh Sainath under the brand Molee Art. Online comments indicated that the piece was inspired by themes from the Mahabharata, specifically depicting Krishna's Ras Leela. Users pointed out that the artist is known for producing devotional art based on Hindu themes, adding complexity to the debate over its interpretation.
This incident underscores ongoing tensions in academic settings regarding cultural representation and sensitivity. It highlights the need for institutions to carefully consider how they portray diverse traditions, especially in global educational contexts where missteps can lead to significant public outcry.
The apology from Harvard marks a step toward addressing these concerns, but it also raises questions about internal protocols and the broader responsibility of universities in fostering inclusive environments. As debates over cultural insensitivity continue, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful engagement with ancient languages and their associated heritages.
