Harvard University has issued an apology following backlash over a promotional image for its Elementary Sanskrit course. The image, titled Master of Puppets, was criticized by the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), which claimed that it misrepresented Sanskrit and Hinduism, labeling the artwork as “Hinduphobic.”
The artwork, created by Indian artist Anirudh Sainath under his brand Molee Art, incorporates themes from the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata, specifically depicting the divine play of Krishna known as Ras Leela. The intense scrutiny emerged on social media, prompting the university to reevaluate its approach to social media content.
In response to the criticism, Harvard’s Department of South Asian Studies released a statement confirming it was reviewing its internal social media protocols. “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. The department also specified that the image was not associated with the Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute, which functions as a separate entity within the university.
Harvard’s Department of South Asian Studies offers a range of Sanskrit courses, including elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels. The curriculum encompasses significant texts such as the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and the Bhagavad Gita, aiming to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of this ancient language. By the end of the academic year, introductory students are expected to be able to engage with these foundational texts.
CoHNA welcomed Harvard’s apology, viewing it as a noteworthy instance of a university department acknowledging and rectifying concerns related to cultural representation. In posts on the platform X, the organization expressed appreciation for the respect shown towards Sanskrit, emphasizing its importance as “an ancient language that has influenced civilizations across the world.”
Harvard University characterizes Classical Sanskrit as a pivotal language that has shaped intellectual and cultural life across South Asia for nearly three millennia. The university describes it as “the language of the gods,” underscoring its profound historical significance.
This incident highlights the ongoing need for sensitivity and awareness in cultural representations within educational institutions, as they navigate the complexities of diverse global perspectives.
