{
  "id": 355693,
  "title": "What Was Chanted At IIT Delhi Convocation? Journalist Says ‘This Isn’t Gayatri Mantra, It’s Shikshavalli’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/what-was-chanted-at-iit-delhi-convocation-journalist-says-this-isnt",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-09T06:42:18.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/lifestyle/what-was-chanted-at-iit-delhi-convocation-journalist-says-this-isnt-gayatri-mantra-its-shikshavalli"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to IIT Delhi for its 57th Convocation, a Sanskrit chant was played, sparking curiosity as to which verses were being recited. Journalist Abhijit Majumder clarified that it was not the Gayatri Mantra, but rather Shikshavalli, the first chapter of the Taittiriya Upanishad. Shikshavalli, which translates to \"teacher's instruction,\" is a Vedic text that serves as a guide for students as they progress in their education. The verses emphasize values such as truth, righteousness, discipline, and respect for teachers and parents. By including Shikshavalli in the convocation ceremony, IIT Delhi is upholding a tradition that instills these principles in students, preparing them for their academic journey and future endeavors.",
  "summary": "A Sanskrit chant recited during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to IIT Delhi for its 57th Convocation has drawn attention after a journalist clarified that the verses were not the Gayatri Mantra, as some may have assumed, but were from Shikshavalli of the Taittiriya Upanishad. The clarification has sparked interest in understanding the ancient Sanskrit verses and their significance in the…",
  "key_points": [
    "Journalist Abhijit Majumder clarified the chant was Shikshavalli, not Gayatri Mantra.",
    "Shikshavalli is the first chapter of Taittiriya Upanishad.",
    "The verses emphasize values like truth, righteousness, discipline."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}