'No official invitation extended to Sam Pitroda', IIT Roorkee says statement ‘baseless’

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee has denied sending an invitation to Sam Pitroda who claimed that a video link sent to him was ‘hacked’ to play inappropriate content. Earlier today, the Congress leader clarified on social media that he received an invite from the IIT to speak with students and faculty via Zoom.

Terming the claims ‘baseless’ and ‘misleading’ in a public statement, IIT Roorkee said, “It has come to our attention that Shri Sam Pitroda recently claimed to have been invited to an event at IIT Roorkee. The institute categorically clarifies that no such official invitation was extended to him. This statement is entirely baseless and misleading.”

Pitroda’s statement came after the ministry of education rubbished his previous claims that “someone” had played objectionable content during his online interaction with students of “IIT Ranchi”, correcting him alongside that no such institution exists.

Referring to the Congressman’s claims, the institute also condemned the attempt to “tarnish” the reputation of IITs. “IIT Roorkee upholds the highest standards of academic integrity and transparency. We strongly condemn any attempt to spread misinformation or tarnish the reputation of IITs renowned for their excellence in education and research is strongly condemned,” it stated.

IIT Roorkee further found his statement “irresponsible” and an attempt to demean the credibility of “prestigious” IITs.

“Such an irresponsible statement appears to be an attempt to undermine the credibility of the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology. IITs have a legacy of producing some of the nation’ brightest minds, built on the dedication, hard work, and achievements of students, faculty, and researchers. Misinformed claims cannot diminish this hard-earned reputation. IIT Roorkee remains steadfast in preserving its academic integrity,” the institute remarked.