Harvard Apologizes After CoHNA Accuses Sanskrit Course Image Of 'Blatant Hinduphobia'

Harvard’s Department of South Asian Studies drew swift online backlash after using an artwork to promote its Elementary Sanskrit course.

“Harvard University is facing mounting criticism online after an image featured on the Department of South Asian Studies website sparked allegations of bias”

The American Bazaar

Critics, led by the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), said the image was offensive and biased and accused the university of "blatant Hinduphobia."

The American Bazaar

The American Bazaar reports the post triggered wide condemnation and calls for accountability.

The Times of India notes the department subsequently apologized and says the controversy centered on the promotional image for the Sanskrit class.

I was provided only two source articles for this summary, so I cannot incorporate additional independent outlets beyond these two sources.

The Department issued an apology saying it "deeply regrets the posting of an insensitive image," and stated it was reviewing internal social media processes while reaffirming its long history of teaching Sanskrit.

The Times of India reports the department also clarified the post was not connected to the Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute, and CoHNA publicly welcomed the apology on X.

The Times of India

The American Bazaar likewise records the demand for apology and accountability; however, only the two provided sources are available to corroborate these details for this summary.

Observers and critics described the artwork itself in stark terms.

“Harvard University is facing mounting criticism online after an image featured on the Department of South Asian Studies website sparked allegations of bias”

The American Bazaar

Both sources report it was perceived as showing a dark-skinned Hindu figure with a tilak holding a "ghostly figurine," imagery which CoHNA said framed Sanskrit and Hinduism negatively.

The Times of India identifies the piece as "Master of Puppets" by Indian artist Anirudh Sainath (Molee Art) and notes online commentary linking its imagery to Mahabharata themes and Krishna's Ras Leela.

The American Bazaar emphasizes that additional context about the artwork later circulated online and complicated the initial reactions.

I note again that only these two articles were available for this summary.

The American Bazaar connects the episode to earlier controversies, citing memories of a 2020 Harvard University Press promotional cartoon and saying critics view this as part of a pattern of anti-Hindu framing.

The Times of India highlights CoHNA’s positive response to the department apology as a rare formal university recognition.

The Times of India

Given the limited set of sources I was provided (the two above), I cannot add other outlet perspectives or independent confirmation and therefore flag that broader media or university statements beyond these items may exist but are not available to me here.