Delhi, New Delhi:
After certain members of the Hindu community reacted negatively to a social media post made by Harvard University’s Department of South Asian Studies regarding its Sanskrit program, the university issued an apology. Harvard University Issues Apology Over ‘Insensitive’ Image Used in Sanskrit Program.
The department said it “deeply regrets the posting of an insensitive image in relation to our Sanskrit program” in a statement released on Friday. The department has a long history of teaching Sanskrit and is still dedicated to the language and its related intellectual and cultural traditions, it continued.
Additionally, the statement stated that internal social media procedures are being examined. “We are reviewing our internal social media process to ensure future posts more accurately reflect the mission and values of the Department,” it stated.
Additionally, the department explained that the position had nothing to do with the Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute, which is a distinct organization within the institution.
What is the contentious issue?
An image used to advertise the department’s Elementary Sanskrit course sparked outrage online, sparking the issue. The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), a group that advocates for the Hindu population in North America, called the post “Hinduphobic” and claimed that the artwork negatively depicted Sanskrit and Hinduism.
Some social media users claim that the artwork in question, titled Master of Puppets, was made by Indian artist Anirudh Sainath under the Molee Art brand. According to netizens, the work portrayed Krishna’s Ras Leela and referenced themes from the Mahabharata.
As a rare example of a university department formally expressing remorse over such issues, CoHNA has praised the department’s apologies. The organization said on X that “an ancient language that has influenced civilisations across the world” was worthy of respect.
‘Classical Sanskrit’ was a language that influenced South Asian intellectual and cultural life for around three thousand years, according to Harvard’s website. Notably, the language has been referred to as “the language of the gods” and was used to write important works of philosophy, science, and literature.
Notably, beginner, intermediate, and advanced Sanskrit courses are available at Harvard’s Department of South Asian Studies. Epic books like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, as well as literary and philosophical works, are included in the course curriculum. According to the course description, Sanskrit is “easier than you think” and at the end of the year, students would be able to read books like the Bhagavad Gita and the Mahabharata with the use of a dictionary.
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