Letters to The Editor — February 20, 2026

The biting truth

The recent ‘Robodog’ controversy at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 is not the real issue; it is a symptom of a deeper crisis in India’s higher education system. Over the past two decades, rapid expansion, especially in private institutions, has increased access but weakened academic rigour and accountability. Quantity has grown, but quality has declined. The problem is what India’s universities have gradually become. Many colleges now function more as centres of degree distribution than centres of learning. Education has become transactional, with attendance, laboratory work, and intellectual discipline often diluted. This is especially troubling in science and professional fields, where competence is essential. Higher education in India is overseen by a number of ministries, departments, and regulatory bodies whose stated purpose is to safeguard standards, ensure quality, and maintain academic integrity. Accreditation systems, inspections, evaluations, and academic audits were created for this purpose. However, in practice, these processes often remain formalities. The consequences are visible in rising unemployment among the educated. Industry reports a shortage of skilled graduates, while students struggle despite holding degrees. Regulatory systems, focused more on paperwork than outcomes, allow this cycle to continue. Higher education must restore its core purpose: developing knowledge, skills, and critical thinking — not merely issuing certificates.

Priyanka Saurabh,

Hisar, Haryana

Help Imran Khan

The Pakistan government must heed the appeal of 14 former cricket captains, to ensure proper medical care for jailed former Prime Minister and 1992 World Cup winning captain Imran Khan — an appeal grounded in basic humanity. His eyesight must be protected at all costs. Pakistan must not succumb to the kind of political blindness that now haunts many nations.

N.G.R. Prasad,

Chennai

School attire

While respecting Tamil Nadu’s uniform policy during Higher Secondary school hours, and acknowledging that the State does not follow the junior college system, I urge the government to consider permitting formal coloured attire exclusively during Higher Secondary board examinations. States such as Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, despite having junior colleges and prescribed dress codes, allow coloured attire during HSC public examinations. This approach fosters a sense of maturity, confidence, and responsibility among students at a crucial academic milestone. Examination integrity would remain uncompromised, as hall tickets and frisking procedures already ensure discipline and transparency. Such a limited and carefully considered reform would create a more dignified examination environment while aligning Tamil Nadu with progressive national practices — without altering its established school structure.

Vivek M. Jain,

Chennai