Harvard University has issued an apology following backlash over an image used to promote its Elementary Sanskrit course. The artwork, created by Indian artist Anirudh Sainath, drew criticism for allegedly portraying Sanskrit and Hinduism in a negative manner. The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) described the image as “Hinduphobic,” prompting the university’s Department of South Asian Studies to review its social media practices.
The controversy erupted after the department shared the artwork, titled “Master of Puppets,” which references themes from the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. Social media users expressed concern that the depiction of Krishna’s Ras Leela misrepresented Hindu culture. In light of the criticism, Harvard’s department confirmed it is reevaluating how it handles social media content to better align with its mission and values.
The department issued a statement clarifying that the controversial post was not linked to the Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute, emphasizing that it operates as a separate entity within the university. “We are reviewing our internal social media process to ensure future posts more accurately reflect the mission and values of the Department,” the statement read.
Harvard’s Department of South Asian Studies offers a comprehensive curriculum for students interested in Sanskrit, covering multiple levels from elementary to advanced. The courses include readings of significant texts such as the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and the Bhagavad Gita. According to the university, students at the introductory level can expect to engage with these ancient texts by the end of their academic year.
CoHNA welcomed Harvard’s apology, highlighting it as an important step in acknowledging concerns about the representation of Hindu culture in academic settings. In a statement on social media platform X, the group expressed appreciation for the respect shown towards Sanskrit, calling it “an ancient language that has influenced civilizations across the world.”
Harvard University has characterized Classical Sanskrit as a language that has shaped the intellectual and cultural landscape of South Asia for nearly three millennia, often referred to as “the language of the gods.” The university’s commitment to teaching this significant language reflects its importance in understanding the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.
As the university navigates this controversy, it remains focused on fostering a respectful and accurate representation of diverse cultural traditions within its academic programs.
