People talk a lot about nepotism in Bollywood. Frankly, if you take even a cursory look at institutions like AIIMS and PGI, you might find that the stench of nepotism is considerably stronger there.
Consider the last three Directors of AIIMS:
Prof. Nikhil Tandon
Prof. M. Sreenivas
Prof. Randeep Guleria
Let me be clear: all three are exceptional clinicians and administrators. I am not questioning their competence. In fact, if I ever develop a respiratory ailment, I would myself most likely seek a consult with Prof. Guleria at Medanta. I genuinely believe he was the best Director AIIMS has had in the past two decades and in a stroke of luck - we had a Pulmonologist as Director of AIIMS, Delhi while navigating the CoVID-19 pandemic.
Yet, one cannot help but wonder why two of the last three Directors of AIIMS, Delhi had fathers who had themselves served as Deans or Directors at the institution.
Nepotism, by itself, does not necessarily mean incompetence. It is human nature to leverage one's connections and background. Ranbir Kapoor, for instance, may be a product of nepotism, but he is undoubtedly a talented actor. Similarly, Prof. Guleria's or Prof's Tandon's professional excellence is not negated by their family background.
The real problem begins when privilege translates into institutional favouritism and the abuse of power.
PGI serves as a good example.
What is reportedly happening at PGI, where duty hours are allegedly being altered for one person/resident and faculty's son has 30-35 publications during JRship itself - LOL, raises serious questions about institutional fairness and accountability.
These are not matters that should be brushed aside. When privilege and powe starts influencing rules, opportunities, and academic outcomes, it deserves to be questioned and challenged.
Prof. Vivek Lal will do anything for his three children doing residency at PGI: special duty hours, a divide department, special leave, and 30–35 publications as JRs. But he doesn't care about other residents who work hard for patients.