‘No record’: Podcaster’s claim reignites row over CJP founder’s BU degree; Dipke hits back with video - The Times of India

**Podcaster’s claim rekindles controversy over CJP founder’s Boston University credential**

A recent episode of the Indian podcast *The Unfiltered* sparked fresh debate after its host asserted that Boston University (BU) has “no record” of a degree awarded to Abhijeet Dipke, the founder and director of the Delhi‑based policy think‑tank Centre for Journalism and Policy (CJP). The podcaster cited a request for official confirmation from BU’s registrar, which allegedly returned a negative response. Dipke’s academic background has been a recurring point of scrutiny ever since he publicly claimed a “12‑year degree” from the U.S. institution in 2021, a statement that has drawn both admiration for his purported perseverance and scepticism over its veracity.

In response, Dipke posted a 3‑minute video on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, displaying his BU graduation certificate and a letter from the university’s alumni office confirming his enrollment and graduation in 2010 with a Master of Arts in International Relations. He challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a similar “show‑your‑degrees” duel, writing, “If I can produce my degree, why can’t you?” The video quickly garnered thousands of views and ignited a flurry of reactions on social media, with supporters hailing the move as a vindication of Dipke’s credibility and detractors questioning the timing and tone of the challenge.

The episode arrives amid a broader climate of heightened scrutiny of public figures’ qualifications in India. Earlier this year, several politicians and media personalities faced investigations into alleged academic misrepresentations, prompting calls for greater transparency. While BU officials have not issued an official statement beyond confirming that their records are protected under privacy regulations, the episode has renewed calls from opposition parties and civil‑society groups for an independent audit of Dipke’s academic claims. The controversy underscores the growing role of digital media platforms in holding leaders accountable and the delicate balance between personal reputation and public trust.

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