When Science Becomes Spin: The Silent Hijack of IITs

The IIT Mirage: When Talent Meets Propaganda

For decades, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) have stood as symbols of excellence, representing hard work, intelligence, and success. Students who crack the challenging IIT entrance exam are celebrated as national heroes, often compared to geniuses destined to change the world. But what if this prestigious institution is being used for something else entirely?

Imagine this: political parties, always on the lookout for ways to influence society, realize the power IITs hold in shaping public opinion. After all, people trust "IITians" and those who lead these institutions. Their words carry weight, often treated as gospel truth. Recognizing this, politicians strategically place their loyal supporters in key positions within these institutions. Once in charge, these individuals subtly start weaving a narrative—one that aligns with the political agenda of their backers.

Take, for instance, the recent headlines about the "benefits of drinking urine." It sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? Yet, when someone linked to a prestigious institution like IIT says it, people take it seriously. Suddenly, it’s no longer a strange idea but a “scientific claim.” Whether or not it has any real merit, the narrative gets pushed, and people start believing it.

Or consider the glorification of overwork. Leaders at some IITs have glorified the idea of students working 18-20 hours a day, almost as if taking breaks or resting is a sign of laziness. While hard work is important, this extreme push towards overwork not only harms students' mental and physical health but also serves as a clever way to normalize exploitative labor practices. Who benefits from this? Large corporations and political systems that rely on tireless workers.

The real danger lies in how these narratives are disguised as “science” or “progress.” When an IIT professor or director speaks, people rarely question it. The brand of IIT gives their words an almost magical authority. Politicians and their strategists know this, and they use it to shape public opinion in their favor.

Think about it: if you hear a random person claiming something outrageous, you might laugh it off. But if someone from IIT says it, it suddenly feels like something worth considering. That’s the power of branding and influence.

So, how do we protect ourselves from falling for these gimmicks?

1. Question Everything: Just because someone from a big institution says something doesn’t make it true. Always ask for evidence and cross-check facts.
2. Understand Hidden Agendas: Look beyond the surface. Who benefits if you believe this claim? Is it helping a political party, a corporation, or someone else?
3. Empower Yourself with Knowledge: Educate yourself on how propaganda works. High school students, for instance, should learn to think critically and identify biased narratives.

By staying alert and questioning these hidden agendas, we can ensure that institutions like IIT remain spaces for genuine innovation and not tools for propaganda. Remember, the future belongs to those who think for themselves—not those who blindly follow the crowd.