The South Asian Studies Department of the Harvard University in the United States has publicly submitted its apology to the Hindu community for hurting the cultural and civilisational sentiments. The Department had apparently published an “insensitive image” related to a Sanskrit programme that defamed the Hindu society and culture. The Hindu community in the United States and the diaspora has severely condemned the action of Harvard University and has staged a strong protest, following the programme.
The Hindu community in the United States and Canada had severely criticised and raised objections over the posting of the image and asserted that it hurt the Hindu sentiments and was disrespectful. As an impact, in the clarification and apology statement issued by the University on February 27, the Department of South Asian Studies asserted that it deeply regrets the posting of an insensitive image in relation to our Sanskrit program. The Department also reaffirmed its commitment to teaching the language and the subject with great intellect and as per the cultural tradition it carries.
The South Asian Studies Department further added that it was reviewing and auditing the internal social media posting process to ensure that no such errors are committed in the future. The Department also reassured that the social media posts will be credible, truthful and line with the cultural ethos. Accurate posts will be the value and mission of the department, the apology post further stated. The issue of Harvard University post hurting the Hindu sentiments was first brought to the spotlight by the Coalition of Hindus of North America(CoHNA). The Hindu organisation also asserted that Harvard University was promoting “blatant Hinduphobia” in the name of cultural programmes.
The CoHNA also questioned the agenda and reason behind publishing an artwork related to Sanskrit which is apparently used in the Harvard University’s Elementary Sanskrit Course. The CoHNA further exclaimed that the image used in the Sanskrit post of the Harvard University appeared straight out of a horror movie where a dark Hindu figure with a Tilak was depicted. Thus, the North American Hindu organisation staged a protest against the university.
Meanwhile, the Hindu organisation also welcomed the official apology from the university and quoted it as “one of the rare moments where a university department has formally apologized for their Hinduphobic insensitivity”. The organisation hailed the greatness of the Sanskrit language as one of the oldest languages on earth with rich history, tradition. Sanskrit represents the civilisational heritage of India. Most ancient texts of the globe pertaining to Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism are written in Sanskrit.
The Sanskrit language is the mother or source of all the languages of the Indian subcontinent. Such an ancient and civilisationally rich language cannot be defamed and degraded due to lack of awareness, ignorance or insensitivities. Universities across the globe have to be vigilant and well aware before speaking about or publishing anything related to Hindu traditions, that has been prevailing in the subcontinent since time immemorial.
