Humanities research at IIT Gandhinagar draws ideological fire

IIT Gandhinagar was mired in controversy after right-wing groups alleged the premier tech institute of promoting Islamic theology through its academic curriculum.

The controversy erupted after social media users cited the dissertation topics of selected students from the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS), alleging an ‘Islamisation’ of the campus. The institute began trending on social media after the topics were ‘selectively’ leaked. 

On Sunday, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), issued a press release expressing concern over what it called a “troubling disregard for the cultural and national sentiments” of students, particularly those from the Hindu community.

The controversy escalated after an X (formerly Twitter) user Eminent Intellectual shared a list of research topics from the HSS department on April 28, sarcastically stating:

“This will make you proud. India has its own AI finally! IIT Gandhinagar has come up with this unique architecture that will beat ChatGPT and Deepseek through the power of Kerala. It’s called Deepfaith. Thank you @iitgn for using your taxpayer funded ‘autonomy’ just like our Supreme Court to make this country a better place for us all. AI = Ayatollah’s Intellect.”

The topics included studies on Muslim communities, Islamic rituals, and traditional clothing. However, students argued that the list had been ‘selectively’ leaked to create controversy.

A student, who wished to remain anonymous, was quoted by The Telegraph as saying, “Students do anthropological and social studies on themes related to religious practices and rituals. About 20 students have studied Hindu traditions such as the Brahminical system, the Vedas, and temple management. We have been targeted for no fault of ours.” 

The Telegraph has also quoted Manish Kumar, Associate Dean of Student Development, defending the academic work, 

“The campaign against the institute lacks academic merit. Anybody can raise an issue on any research topic or findings. However, established academic procedures exist for such engagement. We welcome feedback and constructive criticism through appropriate channels.”

Meanwhile, an email addressed to students by Nishant Choksi, associate professor at IIT-Gn has been circulated online. Choksi raised the issue of internal HSS emails about MASC thesis topics, names of students and supervisor names being posted on social media in a derogatory and offensive manner.

Choksi termed this “a serious breach of privacy and trust”. “The MASC faculty advising team has notified Head Humanities and Social Sciences and we will also notify Academics and Student Affairs and will create a committee to follow up with this infraction,” he added.

“I repeat in the sternest possible manner that this should not happen again.”