A controversy arose at IIT Delhi's recent convocation due to Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed questioning the recitation of what she identified as the Gayatri Mantra. This has been disputed by an IIT Kanpur alumnus, who clarified that the verses were not the Gayatri Mantra but from the ikvall of the Taittirya Upanishad, focusing on learning and teacher-student relationships. The debate now centers on the accurate identification of the recitation and its appropriate place in an academic ceremony. The IIT Delhi convocation took place on August 8, with PM Modi addressing over 3000 students. The verses have historical significance as they were part of the Samavartana ceremony marking a student's transition to social responsibility in ancient India. The inclusion of such verses in modern education is seen by some as reconnecting it with India's intellectual heritage, while critics question their place in public educational institutions.