Harvard University’s Department of South Asian Studies has formally apologised for an image used to promote its Sanskrit programme, following a wave of criticism from Hindu community organisations and social media users who stated that the artwork was demeaning to Hinduism and its sacred language.
The issue gained traction when the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) took to X accusing Harvard of “blatant Hinduphobia” over the visual, which it described as resembling “a scene straight out of a horror movie”, depicting a dark figure bearing a tilak on his forehead and holding what the coalition characterised as ghostly figurines. The image had been used on the department’s website to represent its Elementary Sanskrit course.
Blatant Hinduphobia and bigotry on display at @Harvard’s South Asian studies department.
A scene that feels straight out of a horror movie, starring a dark Hindu figure (notice the Tilak on his forehead) dangling some sort of ghostly figurines in his hands.
This is how… pic.twitter.com/UYzt3dQLMp
— CoHNA (Coalition of Hindus of North America) (@CoHNAOfficial) February 27, 2026
Responding to the backlash, the department said in a statement on Friday that it “deeply regrets the posting of an insensitive image in relation to our Sanskrit program.” It emphasised its long-standing academic engagement with the language, stating that it remained committed to teaching Sanskrit and the intellectual and cultural traditions associated with it.
The department also said it was reviewing its internal social media processes to ensure future posts better reflect its mission and values. It further clarified that the social media post in question had no connection with the Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute, describing it as a separate and distinct entity within Harvard.
For those of you who had reached out to us, here is the official apology from the Department of South Asian Studies at @Harvard.
This is one of the rare moments where a university department has formally apologized for their Hinduphobic insensitivity! 👏🏽👏🏽
We are glad to see… https://t.co/E31cSu1Acy pic.twitter.com/CGI3SmG9Ki
— CoHNA (Coalition of Hindus of North America) (@CoHNAOfficial) February 28, 2026
CoHNA welcomed the apology, calling it a rare instance of a university department formally acknowledging concerns raised by members of the Hindu community. The organisation said it was encouraged by what it described as the department’s recognition of the sensitivity surrounding the issue.
Great news to share! After worldwide community outrage, @Harvard has removed the image from their website! Thank you to all those who took action and expressed your concerns. 👏🏽👏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 https://t.co/O7iOpzsdRu pic.twitter.com/jkeTxJa8aw
— CoHNA (Coalition of Hindus of North America) (@CoHNAOfficial) February 27, 2026
As the online debate unfolded, some netizens offered additional context about the artwork. According to comments circulating on social media, the image was reportedly created by Indian artist Anirudh Sainath under the brand Molee Art and titled Master of Puppets. The work was said to depict themes from the Mahabharata, though Harvard has not publicly elaborated on the artwork’s provenance in its statement.
Separately, another visual referenced in the broader online discussion, titled Millstone of the Caste System, was identified as a satirical lithograph by early 20th-century Indian artist Gaganendranath Tagore, historically understood as a critique of social hierarchy.
Harvard’s website describes Classical Sanskrit as a “transcultural, transregional language par excellence” of South Asian civilisations and highlights its importance to the study of classical literature, philosophy and intellectual history. The department offers elementary, intermediate and advanced Sanskrit courses covering major texts including the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.
Source: IANS
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