An Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) professor's response to a student's request for attendance leniency has sparked a significant social-media uproar, with the debate reaching viral proportions. The incident gained widespread attention after X user @cneuralnetwork shared a screenshot of the professor's alleged reply, which has accumulated over 526.8k views.
The controversy centres around a student who asked for a concession in attendance to participate in a debate competition. In the alleged response, the professor dismissed the request, invoking the examples of tech icons Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg. He argued that these figures are celebrated for dropping out to pursue their passions, not seeking exceptions from their professors. The professor challenged the student to show bravery by dropping out and accomplishing something significant, adding that a debate competition has “no tangible value in the real world.” The response concluded with a critique, urging the student to demonstrate "bravery and strength, not cowardice."
The professor’s remarks have ignited a heated discussion online, with many users criticizing the tone and message. IIT Mandi Professor Nirmalya Kajuri condemned the reply, emphasizing that while enforcing attendance policies is reasonable, there is no excuse for "grandstanding" or using "condescending" arguments. Similarly, Rohit Girdhar, Vice-President of Strategy and M&A at Infineon Technologies, expressed his disapproval, describing the response as "poor taste." Girdhar questioned the need for such drama, suggesting the professor could have handled the situation with a simple yes or no.
The incident has opened up broader conversations about student-professor dynamics and the role of extracurricular activities in academic settings. It also raises questions about how professors should engage with students while maintaining respect and encouraging personal growth. As the debate continues, the incident has sparked reflections on students' pressures in highly competitive institutions like the IITs and the importance of balanced academic and extracurricular engagement.