Vir Das makes fun of Galgotias’ robodog controversy, urges fans to adopt ‘indie dog’
Actor-comedian Vir Das has spoken out on Galgotias University’s robot dog controversy – and his cheeky take is breaking the internet. So, what did Vir Das actually say?
Comedian Vir Das has entered the conversation about Galgotias University’s robot dog — and, not surprisingly, he’s not backing down. As the internet was debating whether the university overstated its role in showcasing the robot dog at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, Das took a well-timed dig.
“Nothing is really original when you think about it,” he wrote, before joking that everything was created by “the great Galgotias University in the sky.” He then shared a photo of a dog and quipped that he had reassured the pup that it was not created by the university – while encouraging people to adopt an “indie dog” instead. Social media took it up completely.
Controversy arose when a summit video showed Professor Neha Singh introducing the robotic dog, ‘Orion’, as part of the university’s Center of Excellence. Within hours, social media users identified the machine as a commercially available model manufactured by Unity Robotics, leading to accusations that the organization had overstated its role.
Why did Veer Das’s post create a stir?
Das’s humor resonated with a broader online mood – one skeptical of inflated claims and quick to expose perceived exaggerations. By turning the conversation toward adopting indie dogs, he managed to turn a tense technical debate into a light-hearted social moment.
Did the university claim to have created a robot dog?
In the clip aired, Orion was presented as part of Galgotias University’s AI initiative. Viewers interpreted this as a claim for domestic development. However, the university later clarified that it never said it had built the robot. According to its official response, the device was purchased as part of a broader AI investment.
What has the university said since?
At the summit, Dr. Aishwarya Srivastava reiterated that “no claims” have been made about the creation of the robot. The organization also denied any attempts to conceal Unitri’s branding.
Despite this, reports revealed that the university was asked to vacate its pavilion. Galgotias has strongly denied receiving any such instructions from the organizers or the ministry.
What does this mean for academic transparency?
Beyond the memes and ridicule, this incident raises bigger questions. How clearly should universities distinguish between innovation, collaboration and procurement? And in the race to showcase AI prowess, is communication keeping up with ambition?
As for the robot dog? It may have been created elsewhere – but the memes are absolutely home-grown.
