‘Reeks Of Ignorance’: Education Ministry Fact-Checks Sam Pitroda Over ‘IIT Ranchi’ Event Claims – News18

Last Updated:February 27, 2025, 09:37 IST

Education Ministry dismissed Sam Pitroda’s claims of objectionable content during a virtual session at IIT Ranchi, stating there is no IIT in Ranchi.

The Ministry of Education (MoE) on Wednesday dismissed the claims made by Congress leader Sam Pitroda in a webcast, where he alleged that objectionable content was played during his virtual interaction with students at IIT Ranchi.

Pitroda had claimed on February 22 that he was addressing several hundred students at IIT Ranchi when someone hacked into the session and began playing objectionable content, leading to the disruption of the event.

In a statement, the ministry said that any attempt to damage the reputation of the prestigious institution would face legal consequences.

“It is hereby clarified that there is no IIT in Ranchi. Therefore, the statement made in that video is not only baseless but also reeks of ignorance. It is pertinent to state that there is an Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) in Ranchi. However, IIIT, Ranchi, has also confirmed that Sam Pitroda has not been invited by the institute to any conference or seminar, either physically or virtually,” the ministry said in a statement issued late on Wednesday night.

“Such a reckless statement seems to be an attempt to malign the image of an extremely reputed institution of the country. This institution has stood the test of time and produced some of the brightest minds in the country. Unlike such an uninformed person, IITs’ reputation is built on the merit, hard work, and achievements of many students, teachers, and academia,” the ministry added.