The Research Scholars' Environment at IITs: An Insight into the Early Years
Introduction
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) system has long been recognized for its significant contribution to the country's scientific and technological advancements. This article explores the research environment for scholars during the early years of the 1980s, focusing on the experiences shared by PhD students from IIT Delhi and other leading universities in India. Specifically, it delves into the findings of an impromptu colloquium held in 1980, which brought to light the similarities and comparative conditions of research environments in various institutions.
Background of the Colloquium
In 1980, a unique event took place involving a "group of research students" from IIT Delhi, all pursuing PhDs in English. Under the guidance of Professor V.N. Arora, several JNU (Jawaharlal Nehru University) PhD English scholars worked under Professor Narang, while some were associated with Delhi University, guiding by Professor Yudhisthira. I myself was enrolled under Professor V.N. Arora for my PhD English studies during that time.
The Shared Experience
The outcomes of the colloquium were significant and enlightening. It was discovered that all institutions, including the IITs, provided a similar environment for research scholars. This shared environment was found to be of equal quality, whether one was in an IIT or a central university like JNU or Delhi University.
Environment Comparison
What exactly was this common environment? It encompassed various aspects such as the availability of resources, support systems, academic freedom, and the overall demeanor of the institution. The similarity in these dimensions suggested that while the IITs were prestigious institutions, they were no superior or inferior to other leading educational institutions in India in terms of research and scholarship.
Implications and Observations
The shared environment highlighted the fact that the quality of research did not solely depend on the reputation or academic prestige of the institution. It placed greater emphasis on the intrinsic quality of the research environment itself, which was often overlooked. This realization had profound implications for both current and future scholars, spreading the message that with the right conditions, any research-oriented institution could nurture innovative and impactful research.
Legacy and Conclusion
The legacy of this colloquium continues to inspire a critical assessment of academic environments. It serves as a reminder that the success of research is not limited to renowned institutions but is largely dependent on the quality of the research environment. Moving forward, institutions across India, including the IITs, must continue to strive for excellence in fostering an enriching and supportive environment for their scholars. This shared experience underscores the importance of promoting research excellence and academic integrity across all institutions.