IIT is needed, isn’t it?
LASHIKA MEHTA
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Students disappointed at denial of IIT to Karnataka
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Thoughtful: Isha, Sriram, Tejaswini (top); Karthik, Aswin, Abhay
Many second Pre-University/12th Standard students dream of getting admitted to any one of the Indian Institutes of Technology. The competition to get in is intense what with limited seats and the ever-increasing number of applicants.
The Ministry of Human Resource Development decided to increase the number of IITs in the country and in July the Union Cabinet approved the setting up of eight new IITs in Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Orissa, Gujarat, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Following the decision, several States sent their proposals and requested the Ministry to sanction an IIT to them. Karnataka’s request for an IIT was turned down. The Ministry’s contention for denial of an IIT to the State was that since Karnataka already had two premier institutions — Indian Institute of Science and Indian Institute of Management — it did not need an IIT.
Since then, many academics and scientists are up in arms against the decision and want an IIT to be sanctioned for the State. The Hindu EducationPlus spoke to the direct stakeholders i.e. the student community to find out what they had to say:
Isha Purkayastha (12th Standard, National Public School, Rajajinagar): To get into an IIT seems to be the dream of many students. They start preparing for the IIT-Joint Entrance Examination early on. Establishing an IIT in Karnataka will have both advantages and disadvantages. While it would mean that there are more seats, it will also mean increased competition.
We live in a world where opportunities are plenty, but we’re afraid of going off the marked trail. An IIT coming to Karnataka would mean more seats on the one hand, but on the other it’ll lead to more aspirants, more broken dreams. It is odd that a literature student goes to the north or abroad to study. So, instead of an IIT, can’t we have a school that is fully equipped to take on commerce, liberal arts and fine arts?
Sriram Jayaraman (12th Standard, National Public School, Indiranagar): An IIT in the State will be welcome, as the only other IIT in South India is in Chennai. This would benefit students greatly. Moreover, it would reinforce the State’s position as a research hub and would encourage students to pursue different courses such as bioinformatics and geo-sciences, which are to be introduced in the new IIT. An IIT alongside an IISc and IIM would definitely compliment the State capital’s position as a prime location for education in the country.
Tejaswini (second PUC, St. Ann’s Pre-University College): The State needs an IIT. Karnataka is home to the IT capital and getting an IIT will boost the State’s image further. Let Karnataka be the leader not only in providing IT jobs but also in providing quality education. The argument that the State already has two premier institutes and hence does not need an IIT does not hold ground. IISc and IIM cannot be seen as a substitute to IIT. Educationists must pressure the Ministry to sanction an IIT to the State.
Karthik K. (12th Standard, National Public School, Rajajinagar): With about six lakh students taking the Joint Entrance Examination every year, and only 6,000 actually getting through to the IITs, competition is obviously intense. The establishment of an IIT in Karnataka would certainly help a good number of students get quality technical education. The new institute should live up to the best in terms of infrastructure, faculty and overall quality of education provided. The establishment of a world class institute is welcome, but an institute that compromises on any of the above is an absolute no-no.
Aswin Chandrasekharan (12th Standard, Venkat International Public School): I think Karnataka deserves an IIT. Considering the number of students who make it to reputed institutes such as the various NITs, IITs and VIT, it would be great if there is an IIT in the State. It would give additional reason to rural students from Karnataka to aspire for the IITs. Most IT companies already are based out of Karnataka. The State and its students will obviously prosper if there is an IIT here.
Abhay Shri Krishnan (12th Standard, Venkat International Public School): Among the many reputed institutions, IIT stands out in the field of education. Karnataka is fast growing as an IT hub. It has reputed establishments including HAL, NAL, DRDO, BHEL, and IISc. However, these are no substitute to an IIT. IISc is a post-graduate and research centre, while IIT is an under-graduate centre. We need more premier institutes in this region. Education is the only way forward to development and scientists and academicians need to pressure the Government to sanction an IIT to the State.
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