Harvard University (AP image)

Harvard University has issued an apology after a social media post by its Department of South Asian Studies featuring artwork related to its Sanskrit programme sparked allegations of insensitivity and bias online.The controversy began after an image used to represent Harvard’s Elementary Sanskrit course drew criticism on social media. The Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) accused the university of promoting what it described as “blatant Hinduphobia,” claiming the artwork portrayed Sanskrit and Hinduism in a dark and negative manner.Responding to the backlash, the Department of South Asian Studies issued a formal statement expressing regret. In its statement, the department said, “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 added that it is reviewing its internal processes. “We are reviewing our internal social media process to ensure future posts more accurately reflect the mission and values of the Department.” It also clarified that the post had no connection to another Harvard entity, stating, “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 welcomed the apology and shared the statement on X. The organisation wrote that it was “one of the rare moments where a university department has formally apologized for their Hinduphobic insensitivity”. The organisation added that it was glad to see respect being shown toward Sanskrit, which it described as an ancient language that has influenced civilisations around the world.“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 wrote. The debate erupted after CoHNA criticised an artwork featured on the department’s website for its Elementary Sanskrit course. The organisation alleged that the visual depicted a dark Hindu figure with a tilak holding what appeared to be a ghostly figurine and claimed it framed Sanskrit and Hinduism in an “oppressive” manner.Some users pointed out that the artwork, titled Master of Puppets, was reportedly created by Indian artist Anirudh Sainath under the brand Molee Art. According to online comments, the artwork was inspired by themes from the Mahabharata and depicted Krishna’s Ras Leela. Users also highlighted that the artist was known for creating devotional art based on Hindu themes.The organisation had also highlighted its concerns over how Sanskrit is being introduced to students.“This is how students are introduced to Sanskrit, one of most ancient languages that has given birth to classic literature, arts, music, and so much more. The mother of many languages around the world,” the organisation wrote on X.