Sanskrit – Harvard Department Issues Apology Over Controversial Post
Sanskrit – Harvard University’s Department of South Asian Studies has issued a public apology after facing criticism over a social media image linked to its Sanskrit programme. The department acknowledged that the post was inappropriate and expressed regret for any hurt caused, particularly among members of the Hindu community.
Department Expresses Regret Over Social Media Post
In a statement released on Friday, the department said it “deeply regrets” sharing an image it described as insensitive. Officials emphasised that the post did not reflect the department’s longstanding academic mission or its respect for the traditions associated with Sanskrit.
The statement reaffirmed the department’s commitment to teaching Sanskrit and to promoting understanding of the intellectual and cultural heritage connected to the language. Faculty members noted that Sanskrit has been part of Harvard’s curriculum for decades and remains central to the study of South Asian civilizations at the university.
Review of Internal Communication Processes
Alongside the apology, the department announced that it is reassessing its internal social media procedures. The goal, it said, is to ensure that future content aligns more closely with its academic values and institutional standards.
The department also clarified that the image in question had no link to the Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute, a separate entity within Harvard University. By making this distinction, officials sought to prevent confusion about the involvement of other academic bodies.
In a brief response, the Mittal Institute acknowledged the department’s statement regarding the issue but did not provide additional comment.
Community Groups Respond to Apology
The Coalition of Hindus of North America welcomed the department’s decision to apologise. In a public message, the organisation described the move as a rare instance of a university formally addressing concerns about what it viewed as insensitivity toward Hindu traditions.
The group said it appreciated the recognition of Sanskrit’s historical and cultural importance. It added that respectful academic engagement with ancient languages and traditions is essential in diverse educational environments.
Significance of Sanskrit in Academic Study
Harvard’s official programme description highlights Classical Sanskrit as a language that transcended regions and cultures across South Asia. The university describes it as a medium through which philosophers, poets, scholars and rulers expressed ideas over several millennia.
Often referred to in traditional literature as “the language of the gods,” Sanskrit has been used to compose a wide range of texts. These include epic narratives, philosophical treatises and scientific works that have shaped South Asian thought and culture.
According to the programme overview, studying Sanskrit provides essential insight into the intellectual history of classical South Asia. The department states that understanding the language allows students to explore foundational texts in their original form and to grasp the nuances that translations may not fully capture.
Course Offerings and Curriculum Details
The Department of South Asian Studies offers Sanskrit instruction at elementary, intermediate and advanced levels. Introductory courses are designed to help students build reading proficiency within an academic year. By the end of two semesters, students are expected to approach major works such as the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita with the assistance of a dictionary.
Advanced classes examine epic literature, including the Ramayana, along with philosophical and literary texts that have influenced generations of thinkers across South Asia.
Broader Context of Ongoing Debates
Sanskrit occupies a foundational role in India’s intellectual and religious traditions. Many classical Hindu, Buddhist and Jain scriptures were composed in the language, and its influence can be seen in numerous modern South Asian languages.
In recent years, discussions about how Hindu traditions are represented in Western academic institutions have drawn increasing attention, particularly from diaspora communities in the United States and Canada. The recent controversy at Harvard adds to these broader conversations about cultural sensitivity and academic responsibility.