A social media blunder by Harvard’s South Asian Department has led to an embarrassing climbdown, with the Ivy League giant apologizing for a post that demeaned its Sanskrit initiatives. Hindu organizations in the US voiced strong disapproval, forcing the university’s hand.
In its mea culpa, Harvard recounted its venerable tradition of Sanskrit education, a language instrumental in the development of South Asian linguistics and revered as godly. The department committed to vetting future online content rigorously to prevent repeats.
The statement firmly separated the university from the fiasco and debunked links to steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal and kin. The Mittal Institute’s endorsement reinforced this narrative, putting speculation to rest.
Delving deeper, Sanskrit’s legacy shines through its influence on epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata, and its foundational impact on regional languages. Harvard runs diverse courses, attracting scholars keen on this pillar of Indian heritage, which holds sway in devout and scholarly circles.
Approval poured in from Hindu bodies in North America, who see Sanskrit as enriching modern dialects. Its proponents have shone at American and Canadian gatherings, blending tradition with contemporary discourse. This controversy underscores the need for cultural nuance in global academia, with Harvard learning a valuable lesson.