215 Academicians Criticise Priyanka Gandhi Over Remarks on Kamakoti Peetham

215 Academicians Back IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti, Criticise Priyanka Gandhi’s Reported Remarks

More than 215 vice chancellors, former vice chancellors and senior academicians have issued an open letter backing IIT Madras Director Prof V Kamakoti after Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra allegedly referred to him as a “cow urine expert” during a Lok Sabha debate. The signatories said the remark undermined academic discourse and the dignity of India’s scientific institutions.

The controversy arose during a discussion in the Lok Sabha on the Centre’s proposed examination reforms, where Priyanka Gandhi reportedly made the remark while referring to Prof Kamakoti. In their letter, the academicians said Parliament should remain a space for reasoned debate rather than personal attacks on scholars.

Describing the comment as “deeply disappointing”, the signatories argued that criticism should focus on ideas and evidence, not individuals.

“Whether intended as sarcasm or political rhetoric, such a characterisation raises concerns that go far beyond one individual,” the letter stated.

Among those who signed the letter are Nalanda University Vice-Chancellor Sachin Chaturvedi, former NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar, NAAC Director Ganesan Kannabiran, former UPSC Chairman D P Agarwal and former AICTE Chairman Anil Sahasrabudhe.

Academicians highlight Kamakoti’s credentials

The letter emphasised Prof Kamakoti’s academic record, noting that he holds MS and PhD degrees in Computer Science and Engineering from IIT Madras, has authored more than 150 research papers, led over 50 research and development projects, and received honours including the DRDO Academic Excellence Award and the IESA Techno Visionary Award.

It also highlighted his contribution to the development of India’s first industry-grade microprocessor.

The signatories said that scholars should be free to discuss hypotheses, traditional knowledge and scientific ideas without being subjected to personal labels.

“To dismiss a scholar through a label rather than engage with the substance of his views risks undermining the very scientific temper that our Constitution calls upon every citizen to develop,” the letter said.

‘Debate ideas, not individuals’

The academicians argued that scientific temper involves objectively examining claims through evidence rather than rejecting or accepting them outright. They cautioned that personal attacks on researchers could discourage scientists and educators from participating in public discourse.

“Our scientists, scholars and educators deserve to know that they can participate in public debate without fear of being reduced to dismissive labels,” the letter said.

It concluded by stressing that disagreement is fundamental to democracy but should be expressed respectfully.

“In a democracy, disagreement is essential. Mockery is not a substitute for reasoned engagement.”

Prof Kamakoti had earlier faced criticism in January 2025 after recounting an anecdote during a Pongal event at a cow shelter in Chennai about a monk allegedly recovering from a fever after consuming cow urine. The remarks sparked widespread debate, after which Kamakoti said his comments were based on published scientific literature.