Controversy Erupts Over Sanskrit Chant at IIT Delhi Convocation
Dispute Arises Over Sanskrit Chant
A recent convocation ceremony at IIT Delhi has sparked controversy due to the recitation of a Sanskrit chant. Congress spokesperson Shama Mohammad raised concerns about the inclusion of the Gayatri Mantra in an academic event, especially since Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the ceremony, adding a political dimension to her remarks. Critics argue that this criticism politicizes an academic gathering. Mohammad questioned the use of what she termed a religious mantra, but a former IIT Kanpur student contested her identification of the verses, asserting that the chant was not the Gayatri Mantra. Instead, the verses were derived from the 'Shikshavalli' of the Taittiriya Upanishad, which pertains to the learning process and the teacher-student relationship. This distinction has become central to the debate regarding the actual content of the recitation at IIT Delhi's ceremony and the significance of these ancient lines.
The Meaning Behind the Chant
The recitation included a prayer: 'Tanmamavatu, Tadvaktaramavatu,' which translates to a plea for protection for both the student and the teacher. This highlights the mutual request for safeguarding knowledge between the learner and the educator.
Calls for Secularism in Educational Institutions
Shama Mohammad expressed her views on social media, stating that while she enjoys hearing the Gayatri Mantra played by her cook daily, she questions its appropriateness in an academic setting. She emphasized that educational institutions should remain free from religious chants and slogans. Following her comments, a political debate emerged regarding the chanting at IIT Delhi's convocation. The discussion has shifted from broader questions about religion in educational institutions to a more fundamental inquiry: what exactly was recited at the IIT ceremony? While Mohammad questioned the inclusion of the Gayatri Mantra, she clarified that she personally has no issue with it.
Former Student Challenges the Identification
The response from the former student, Mehta, is significant as he does not merely dismiss Mohammad's secular argument. Instead, he addresses a more fundamental issue: the misidentification of the chant. According to Mehta, the words heard during the ceremony were not the Gayatri Mantra, indicating that the controversy cannot be confined to the political disagreement over the acceptance of religious content at IIT. Before resolving that debate, the actual content of the recitation must be accurately identified. His critique includes the perspective of another IIT alumnus who expresses pride in the institution and disappointment that discussions are based on what he considers misinformation.
Public Reaction
My cook plays the Gayatri Mantra every day when he enters my kitchen, and I listen to it every day and like it.
— Dr. Shama Mohamed (@drshamamohd) August 8, 2026
But my question is: Why was the Gayatri Mantra played at an IIT convocation? It wasn’t a religious event. Our educational spaces should be free from religious slogans… pic.twitter.com/vs6KGshawd