A recent screenshot alleging to reveal a harsh email reply from an IIT instructor to a student requesting attendance leniency has ignited a firestorm of controversy online. The image, shared on X by a user claiming to have encountered it during IIT Kharagpur’s Spring Fest, displays the professor’s response to a student seeking relief for missing classes due to participation in a debate competition.
The professor, privileging his own perspective over the student’s request, dismissed the request outright. Instead of considering the student’s circumstances, the email urged the student to elevate their own prowess by abandoning their academic pursuits entirely, citing influential figures like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg as examples of individuals who achieved success by dropping out. The professor insinuated that students who are genuinely passionate about extracurricular activities, like the debate competition, should emulate these iconic dropouts.
What the email said
“We admire Gates or Zuckerberg not because they sought waivers or begged professors but because they dared to pursue their convictions,” the professor wrote, underlining a point decidedly unsympathetic to the student’s plight.
“They went on to create groundbreaking technology, influencing billions and generating unimaginable wealth. If you truly believe in alternative pursuits, demonstrate true courage – withdraw from your studies and achieve something truly significant,” the message continued, a clear suggestion to abandon the traditional academic path.
“But we both know that’s unlikely. We also both know a debate competition offers little tangible value in the real world. Earn respect by demonstrating bravery, not by pleading for exemptions,” concluded the email, displaying a lack of understanding or support for a student exploring their interests outside of the classroom.
Take a look at the screenshot below:
HT.com was unable independently to verify the authenticity of the screenshot. Nevertheless, the post has gone viral on X, accumulating hundreds of thousands of views and provoking a fierce online debate. Many X users expressed shock at the professor’s tone and the dismissive nature of the response. The incident sparked discussions about pedagogical approaches, the value of extracurricular activities, and the balance between academic rigor and student well-being.
“The professor acts as if attending their lectures holds any real weight, while their outdated material pales in comparison to readily available online resources. Mandatory attendance is a joke,” remarked one user, highlighting a common sentiment regarding the relevance of traditional lectures in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.
“This is tasteless. Why such theatrics? A simple yes or no would suffice. Why belittle a young person?” questioned another, expressing disapproval over the professor’s arrogant demeanor.
Perplexity AI CEO and IIT alumnus Aravind Srinivas simply summed up the general feeling with a succinct “Yikes.”
“Many Indian professors and bureaucrats seem to believe wielding power over students and citizens contributes to their sense of worth,” lamented another user, highlighting a broader concern about power dynamics within academia and bureaucracy. Several others condemned the professor’s actions as an unwarranted “power play.”
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Professor Anjali Verma, Education Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us today, Professor Verma. There’s been a significant uproar over a recent email from an IIT instructor who declined a student’s request for attendance leniency after they missed classes for a debate competition. What are your initial thoughts on this incident?
Professor Anjali Verma (AV): Thank you for having me. This situation highlights a broader issue in academia regarding the balance between traditional educational paths and extracurricular pursuits. While I appreciate the professor’s intent to encourage independence and ambition, his approach lacked empathy and understanding of the student experience.
TNE: Indeed, the email suggests that the professor believes students should follow the examples of Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, who famously dropped out of school. Do you think it’s realistic or fair to expect students to emulate these figures?
AV: That’s a fascinating question. While Gates and Zuckerberg did achieve monumental success without completing their education, they are outliers. Most students will benefit from a balanced approach that incorporates both academics and extracurricular activities. This dichotomy that the professor presents is misleading and doesn’t consider the diverse paths students can take.
TNE: The professor implies that the student should “demonstrate true courage” by abandoning their studies if they are passionate about their pursuits. Is that a healthy message for students?
AV: Definitely not. Encouraging students to weigh their passions against their studies can foster a culture of fear rather than one of exploration. Students should feel supported in pursuing extracurricular activities while still valuing their education. Encouraging dropouts as a measure of success is harmful and dismissive of the hard work that students put into both arenas.
TNE: Some argue that traditional education must remain rigorous and that students should learn to prioritize their commitments. Where should the line be drawn between accountability and understanding?
AV: Accountability is important, but it should not come at the cost of student well-being. Educational institutions must recognize that students are not just learners but whole individuals with diverse interests and commitments. A more sympathetic approach can lead to better engagement from students, who will ultimately perform better when they feel valued and understood.
TNE: In light of this controversy, what reforms do you think universities like IIT could implement to better support students navigating these challenges?
AV: Universities could consider more flexible attendance policies that take into account students’ extracurricular involvements. Additionally, creating mentorship programs that guide students in balancing academics and passions could be beneficial. Encouraging faculty to engage more with students’ non-academic pursuits and fostering an understanding, rather than dismissive, culture would be a significant step forward.
TNE: This incident has certainly sparked intense discussions online. What message do you hope this controversy sends to educators?
AV: I hope it serves as a wake-up call for educators to consider the holistic development of their students. Each student’s journey is unique, and fostering an environment that encourages exploration alongside rigorous academics can lead to healthier, more engaged learners. It’s about finding a balance that respects both the student’s efforts and their aspirations.
TNE: Thank you, Professor Verma, for your insights. It seems clear that open discussions about these issues are crucial for the evolution of educational approaches.
AV: Thank you for having me. I believe that through conversations like these, we can work toward a more supportive and understanding educational environment for all students.