[Reader-list] Shame on IITs

[Tapas Ray]

Ranjith,

Let me tell you upfront that I am an IITan, so that you know the context 
of my response. However, I have not been an engineer for a long time. 
That said, I have a couple of things to say.

One, I think you should tell us what you mean by 'IT koolies'. That 
would clarify your thoughts not just on the reservation issue but on the 
broader issue of what role the IITs should play, if they are playing it 
now, and if not, what they should do to close the gap. I wrote an 
article along these lines in The Statesman a few years ago, and will try 
to dig it up if anyone is interested, which I think is unlikely. But if 
someone is interested, it would be good if s/he would let me know 
whether I should post it on the list or email it to her/him.

Two, if your use of the phrase 'IT koolies' expresses contempt, which I 
think it does, it would be helpful if you would explain what is 
contemptible about being a 'kooly/ie'. I do not think there is anything 
bad about carrying someone else's load, or pulling someone else's weight 
as rickshaw pullers do. They are putting in honest labour to earn a 
living, and are workers like other workers.

Unfortunately, I will not be able to take part in this discussion beyond 
this post for some time. But I will see if any of my IIT friends would 
be interested in responding.

Tapas



Ranjith Thankappan wrote:
> hi
> Few days back Manuwadi director (former) of IIT Madras made a comment “'HRD minister has injected AIDS into IITs” (Please visit this link for news http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Mumbai/HRD_minister_has_injected_AIDS_into_IITs/articleshow/3176486.cms) 
>  
> these are the kind of "meritorious" Directors available to IITs. No wonder IITs produce IT koolies for the developed world and degraded to the extent of brahmanism. what a shame!!
> regards
> 
>