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Harvard Apologizes for "Insensitive" Sanskrit Post After Hindu Community Criticism

Harvard University's Department of South Asian Studies has formally apologized for posting what it called an "insensitive image" related to its Sanskrit program. The apology came after criticism from Hindu community groups, including the Coalition of Hindus of North America, which welcomed the rare formal apology. The department clarified the post was unrelated to Harvard's separate Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute and stated it is reviewing its social media processes. The incident highlights ongoing debates about the representation of Hindu traditions and Sanskrit, an ancient language foundational to South Asian intellectual heritage, in Western academia.

Key Points: Harvard Apologizes for Insensitive Sanskrit Image

  • Harvard apologizes for insensitive Sanskrit post
  • Criticism came from Hindu diaspora groups
  • Department reviewing social media processes
  • Sanskrit called "language of the gods"
  • Debate over Hindu representation in academia
3 min read

Harvard University apologises over Sanskrit post

Harvard's South Asian Studies department issues apology for an "insensitive" social media post about its Sanskrit program after criticism.

"deeply regrets the posting of an insensitive image - Harvard Department of South Asian Studies"

Washington, Feb 28

Harvard University's Department of South Asian Studies has apologised for posting what it described as an "insensitive image" related to its Sanskrit programme, following criticism from sections of the Hindu community.

The department, in a statement on Friday, said it "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 statement said.

The department added that it was "reviewing our internal social media process to ensure future posts more accurately reflect the mission and values of the Department."

It also sought to distance another Harvard entity from the controversy. "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."

"We note the statement issued by the Department of South Asian Studies regarding a recent poster image," said the Mittal Institute.

Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) welcomed the official apology from the Department of South Asian Studies at Harvard.

"This is one of the rare moments where a university department has formally apologized for their Hinduphobic insensitivity!" it said.

"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 organisation said.

Harvard's website describes Classical Sanskrit as "the transcultural, transregional language par excellence for the civilizations that have flourished in South Asia."

"For its beauty and complexity, it has been called 'the language of the gods.' For nearly three millennia, South Asian seers and sovereigns, poets and philosophers, scholars and scientists composed texts of astonishing literary beauty and incredible logical rigor in Sanskrit," the programme description states.

It adds: "The study of Sanskrit is therefore absolutely essential for unlocking the profundities and the complexities of the life of the mind and of the heart in classical South Asia."

The department offers multiple levels of Sanskrit instruction. These include elementary, intermediate and advanced courses covering epic literature such as the Mahābhārata and the Rāmāyaṇa, as well as philosophical and literary texts.

The elementary course description says: "Sanskrit. It's easier than you think! Unlock the depth and beauty of South Asia in only two semesters." It adds that by the end of the academic year, students will be ready to read texts like the Mahābhārata and Bhagavad Gītā "with the aid of only a dictionary."

Sanskrit holds a foundational place in India's intellectual and religious traditions. Many classical Hindu, Buddhist and Jain texts were composed in the language. It has also shaped most modern South Asian languages. In recent years, debates over the representation of Hindu traditions in Western academia have drawn attention from diaspora groups in the United States and Canada.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
As an Indian student abroad, I see this often. Western institutions sometimes treat our traditions as exotic artifacts rather than living wisdom. Harvard's apology is a step, but real respect means integrating these perspectives meaningfully, not just offering courses.
R
Rohit P
Finally some accountability! CoHNA is doing good work. For too long, there's been a pattern of misrepresentation. Sanskrit is the 'language of the gods' for a reason—its precision and depth are unmatched. Hope other universities take note.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see this dialogue. As someone learning about South Asian cultures, I appreciate Harvard clarifying its commitment. The description of Sanskrit on their website is actually quite beautiful and respectful. The focus should be on that positive scholarship.
V
Vikram M
The article doesn't even show the "insensitive image". What was it? Without that context, it's hard to gauge the severity. But an apology is better than silence. Sanskrit deserves reverence, not caricature.
K
Karthik V
While I welcome the apology, I have a respectful criticism. The diaspora groups sometimes are too quick to cry "Hinduphobia". We must pick our battles wisely to maintain credibility. That said, preserving the dignity of Sanskrit is non-negotiable. It's our heritage.
N
Nisha Z

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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