Cred CEO Kunal Shah questions value of college fest speakers, sparks online debate

Cred founder and CEO Kunal Shah has sparked an online debate after questioning the value of inviting guest speakers to college festivals.

Cred founder and CEO Kunal Shah has sparked an online debate after questioning the relevance of inviting celebrity speakers to college festivals, arguing that such appearances often add little real value for students in the digital age.

In a post on X, Shah said many college fests appear overly focused on securing high-profile guests for their events. He suggested that some of the best speakers today are already widely accessible online and that physical appearances at campus events may not necessarily translate into meaningful learning. He wrote, “I see college festivals trying desperately to get someone to come speak at their event. Best speakers may not come to a college event and are better consumed via YouTube. And those who may come may not necessarily add much value. They should rethink the Darshan culture.”

I see college festivals trying desperately to get someone to come speak at their event. Best speakers may not come to a college event & are better consumed via YouTube. And those who may come may not necessarily add much value. They should rethink the Darshan culture.

— Kunal Shah (@kunalb11) January 27, 2026

His remarks quickly went viral, triggering a broader discussion on how college events are evolving and whether speaker sessions are still relevant for students. While some users agreed with Shah’s assessment, others pushed back, arguing that in-person interactions still carry a unique impact.

One user said students draw inspiration from seeing role models in real life, noting that while motivational content is easily available online, witnessing success firsthand can be far more powerful. Another pointed to the widening gap between classroom education and industry expectations, arguing that students often struggle to identify what content is worth consuming online. According to the user, industry professionals can help bridge this gap by offering clarity, direction and real-world perspective.

Others echoed Kunal Shah’s concerns, saying speaker invitations have become more symbolic than educational. Some users argued that colleges often prioritise optics over outcomes, with students seeking proximity to status rather than genuine insight. They added that with podcasts and long-form videos offering unfiltered access to top thinkers, learning today is less about attendance and more about depth.