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Allegedly alleged by Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra during the discussion on examination reforms and formation of task force in the Lok Sabha. ‘Cow Urine Expert’ The matter of being called has now gained great political and academic importance. More than 215 current and former Vice-Chancellors, former Directors and senior academicians from across the country have expressed their deep disappointment by writing an open letter to Priyanka Gandhi in protest against this comment targeting Professor V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras.
Academics have said in clear words that on a dignified platform like Parliament, dismissing a learned researcher with a ‘petty tag’ or label instead of arguments is against the scientific thinking and academic values of the country.
Highlights of the letter of 215 Vice-Chancellors and Academicians
This open letter released on July 30 has been signed by the heads of the country’s top universities and technical institutes. The coordinators of the letter include former Vice Chancellor of ICT Mumbai, Prof. G.D. Yadav and General Secretary of Association of Indian Universities (AIU) Prof. Pankaj Mittal is included.
In the letter the academics wrote:
“Whether this comment was made in the form of satire or political rhetoric, it is extremely worrying. Parliament should be a forum where dissent can be expressed respectfully. One can disagree with the arguments of a scholar, but ridiculing his scholarship on the basis of a label cannot be a substitute for rational discussion.”
Who is Prof. V. Kamakoti? His scientific contributions were reminded in the letter
In their letter, the academicians have given special details of the achievements of Professor V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, and his contribution to the science-technology sector of the country:
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Higher Education: Pro. Kamakoti holds MS and PhD degrees in Computer Science and Engineering from IIT Madras.
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Research and Projects: He has published more than 150 international research papers and led more than 50 R&D projects.
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Country’s first microprocessor: India’s first industrial-grade microprocessor (‘Power’He has played a major role in preparing .
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Prestigious Honors: He has been awarded many honors including DRDO Academic Excellence Award and Techno Visionary Award.
Academics said that making such a high level scientist a victim of political sarcasm lowers the morale of the country’s researchers and scientists.
“Scientific approach is harmed”
The open letter emphasizes that the Indian Constitution calls for developing ‘scientific temper’ in every citizen.
Academics say that scientific thinking does not just mean doubting non-traditional or traditional ideas, but examining any claims objectively. If an expert or head of an institution fears being humiliated in public debates, researchers and teachers will shy away from participating in public policies and public discussions.
After all, what was the controversial statement?
The controversy began on July 28, 2026, during a discussion on the committee on examination reforms in Parliament. During the debate, Priyanka Gandhi raised questions on the structure of the high-powered task force constituted by the Central Government and sarcastically said that even ‘cow urine expert’ has been included in this committee. Although he directly informed Prof. Kamakoti’s name was not taken, but his statement was considered to be directed towards him.
At present, after this letter of 215 Vice-Chancellors, the discussion has intensified in political and academic circles as to what should be the scope and decorum of criticism of scientists and academicians on public forums.