Washington, Feb 28: Harvard University’s South Asian Institute finds itself in hot water after a poorly received social media post about its Sanskrit program drew sharp criticism from Hindu advocacy groups. The department responded with an official apology, acknowledging the misstep that tarnished the program’s reputation.
The apology statement highlighted Harvard’s proud legacy in Sanskrit scholarship. From ancient texts to linguistic evolution, the university has long championed this cornerstone of Indian civilization. ‘All future posts on social media will uphold the department’s prestige,’ officials promised, aiming to restore trust.
Crucially, Harvard clarified no involvement from the university at large and explicitly denied any ties to Lakshmi Mittal or his family in the contentious post. The Mittal Institute corroborated this, quelling rumors that had begun to circulate.
Why does Sanskrit matter? This ancient tongue, credited with birthing numerous South Asian languages, features prominently in timeless epics such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana. It’s no wonder it’s dubbed divine. Harvard’s curriculum boasts comprehensive Sanskrit courses, from beginner to expert levels, reflecting its enduring relevance.
North American Hindu organizations praised the response, emphasizing Sanskrit’s vital role in India’s intellectual and spiritual life. Recent events in the US and Canada have spotlighted Sanskrit enthusiasts, proving its global appeal. As the dust settles, this episode serves as a reminder for academic institutions to navigate cultural topics with utmost sensitivity.