'Deeply regret', says Harvard for 'Hinduphobic' Sanskrit post
Times of India
by TNNMarch 1, 2026
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Harvard University has issued a formal apology following a social media post promoting its Elementary Sanskrit course that sparked criticism from the Hindu community. The artwork in the post, titled 'Master of Puppets,' was deemed culturally insensitive and "Hinduphobic," leading to its removal. Created by Indian artist Anirudh Sainath under the brand Molee Art, the image was criticized for its dark, horror-movie aesthetic, which some argued misrepresented Hinduism's sacred language, Sanskrit.
The controversy arose after the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) accused Harvard of portraying Sanskrit in a negative and manipulative light. CoHNA described the artwork as a symbol of "blatant Hinduphobia" and compared it to a horror movie. This criticism highlights concerns about how Hindu traditions are represented in Western academia.
Harvard acknowledged the backlash, emphasizing its long-standing commitment to teaching Sanskrit and its intellectual and cultural significance. The university stated it was reviewing its social media processes to ensure future posts align with its mission and values. While CoH
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Originally published on Times of India on 3/1/2026