Who is Suneel Galgotia? A look at the Galgotias University founder amid controversy over a robotic dog and drone claims at the Delhi AI Expo.
The Galgotia family once owned a bookstar in Delhi's Connaught Palace, which was named 'E.D. Galgotia & Sons' and later Suneel Galgotia changed the family business and started Galgotiya Publications in the 1980s. (Photo: Social Media)
Galgotias University has found itself in the spotlight after a controversy erupted over its participation in a recent AI expo in Delhi. What began as a showcase of innovation quickly turned into a debate over originality, credibility, and institutional claims, drawing attention to the university’s leadership — particularly its founder, Suneel Galgotia.
The row gained traction after allegations surfaced that the university displayed a China-made robotic dog at the expo while presenting it as an in-house innovation. The incident triggered sharp criticism on social media and raised questions about how academic institutions represent technological work at national platforms.
Suneel Galgotia is an Indian educationist and the founder of Galgotias University. He established the institution under the Smt. Shakuntala Educational and Welfare Society, which was registered in 1999 under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860.
Based in Daryaganj, New Delhi, the society has operated in the education sector for over three decades. Under Galgotia’s leadership, the group expanded from professional colleges into a full-fledged private university system in Greater Noida.
The university is owned by Dhruv Galgotia, son of Suneel Galgotia. This institute was founded by Suneel Galgotia and was established in 2011 near the Yamuna Expressway in Greater Noida.
The Galgotia family once owned a bookstar in Delhi's Connaught Palace, which was named 'E.D. Galgotia & Sons' and later Suneel Galgotia changed the family business and started Galgotiya Publications in the 1980s, and later moved to the education sector.
The controversy centres on a robotic dog showcased by Galgotias University at the AI expo in Delhi. Online users identified the robot as a commercially available product manufactured by Unitree Robotics, a Chinese firm known for quadruped robots.
Critics accused the university of passing off the robot as its own creation. The backlash intensified as videos surfaced showing the university’s stall being dismantled. According to reports circulating online, authorities asked the institution to vacate the space, after which electricity to the pavilion was allegedly disconnected.
While no official written order has been made public, the situation escalated rapidly after questions were raised about the origin of the robotic dog. Staff and students were later seen clearing the display area, fuelling speculation that the decision was linked to the authenticity concerns.
The episode quickly became a talking point across social media platforms, with many questioning how such claims passed initial scrutiny at a high-profile AI exhibition.
On the same day, Galgotias University also faced criticism over another claim, that a soccer-playing drone displayed on campus was developed entirely in-house by students and faculty.
The university described the drone as a fully indigenous project, covering everything from engineering design to application. However, online users alleged that the drone closely resembled the Striker V3 ARF, a commercially available model sold in India for around Rs 40,000.
The drone was identified as the Helsel Striker V3, designed by Helsel Group, a South Korea-based company known for drone sports equipment. These allegations further amplified doubts about the university’s innovation claims.
The Galgotias Education Group manages multiple institutions, including Galgotias Institute of Management and Technology, Galgotias College of Engineering and Technology, Galgotia College of Pharmacy, and Galgotias University. The group focuses on programmes in engineering, management, pharmacy, and liberal arts and is recognised by the University Grants Commission.
Leadership responsibilities are shared among Suneel Galgotia, Padmini Galgotia, and Dhruv Galgotia, who oversee academic planning, policy decisions, and long-term expansion strategies.
Amid mounting criticism, Galgotias University Registrar Nitin Kumar Gaur issued a clarification. He said the misunderstanding arose from the interpretation of the words “develop” and “development,” suggesting that the institution did not intend to misrepresent the origin of the technologies.
However, the clarification did little to slow the online debate, as critics continued to demand clearer accountability from the institution.
