The Imperative Shift: Why India Needs More IITs & Fewer Temples

The Indian Institute of Technologies together intake about 10,000 students a year based on entrance exam scores. I have often wondered are those students who miss the qualifying mark by a whisker less meritorious than those who make it to the list? Yours truly fell short by just a couple of marks to qualify for a medical seat and was therefore among the rejects. This led me to another question; is the Indian education system more a process of rejection than acceptance, because of limited number of seats? If so, then it is an infrastructure issue that needs priority attention if India hopes to rank among the most innovative countries in the world, creating products and services rather than merely copy pasting from the west.

At the crux of this issue is a clear yet contentious choice: the urgent need to build more Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) over temples, churches or mosques.

It's time to address this with unflinching clarity and purpose.

The Stark Reality of IIT Admissions

For a country brimming with brilliant young minds, the harsh reality is that the opportunities to nurture this potential are woefully inadequate. The IITs stand as elite institutions, yet their exclusivity is not a mark of prestige but a reflection of a grave imbalance. Thousands of deserving students are turned away each year, not for lack of merit, but simply because there aren’t enough seats.

Rethinking Resource Allocation

India's devotion to its religious structures is deep-rooted and respected. However, the construction of temples and mosques has, in many instances, overshadowed the more pressing need to invest in educational infrastructure. In a country where technological and scientific expertise is the key to economic and social advancement, the prioritization of religious buildings over centers of learning represents a misplaced allocation of resources.

The Economic Argument: A Clear Path Forward

The economic rationale for more IITs is irrefutable. These institutions are not just educational hubs; they are engines of innovation and economic growth. By increasing the number of IITs, India can accelerate its journey towards becoming a global technology leader. This is not just about providing education; it's about creating a foundation for sustained economic development and international competitiveness. Paraphrasing India's most scientific-minded Prime Minister, Jahwar'll Nehru,

Addressing the Cultural Pushback

The suggestion to prioritize IITs over religious structures is often met with cultural pushback, viewed as an assault on tradition and belief. However, this is not about undermining religion; it's about recognizing that in the current global scenario, the country’s focus needs to shift towards creating tangible, long-term assets that contribute to the nation's intellectual and economic capital.

A Call for Pragmatic Nationalism

The decision to build more IITs over temples is not just a policy choice; it's a statement of intent, a declaration of India's priorities as it forges its path in the 21st century. It's a call for pragmatic nationalism, where the investment in education and technology is seen as an investment in the nation's future. India’s greatness lies not just in its past or its traditions but in its ability to harness the potential of its youth towards building a more prosperous, educated, and technologically advanced nation. The time for that shift is now.