IIT-M invitation to astrologer to deliver lecture triggers debate on academic standards in science education

Updated on: Saturday, November 17, 2012

 IIT-Madras, recently in the news for its alleged move to restrict the on-campus movements of girl students, is again in the spotlight: This time for inviting an astrologer to give a lecture on vedic science.

After Amanchi Balasudhakara Sastry, a 'naadi jyothisham' (a form of astrology) expert, delivered a lecture on Wednesday, professors said there was not a single peer-reviewed article by him. "And he delivers a lecture on nadi jyothisham and developing 'nano copper' using vedic knowledge claiming it is science," said a professor. The lecture triggered a debate between professors and the management on maintaining academic standards in science education.

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