215 Academics Condemn Priyanka Gandhi Remark
An open letter signed by 215 vice-chancellors, former vice-chancellors and academics has criticised Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra over a remark widely understood to target IIT Madras Director Professor V. Kamakoti.
Academics Object to Priyanka Gandhi Remark
During a Lok Sabha debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, Priyanka referred to a member of the government’s examination reform task force as a “gaumutra expert”.
She did not name Kamakoti directly. However, the remark was widely interpreted as referring to him because of his earlier public comments about the purported medicinal properties of cow urine.
The academics said using a dismissive label against a scholar instead of examining his arguments could undermine the scientific temper promoted by the Constitution.
Open Letter Defends V Kamakoti’s Credentials
The three-page letter highlighted Kamakoti’s academic qualifications and contribution to Indian technology. He holds MS and PhD degrees in Computer Science and Engineering from IIT Madras and has served as the institute’s Director since January 2022.
Kamakoti specialises in computer architecture, information security and VLSI design. He led the research team behind SHAKTI, India’s first indigenously developed microprocessor.
The letter also noted that he had published more than 150 research papers and participated in over 50 research and development projects.
Remarks Trigger Academic and Political Row
The signatories said scientists, scholars and educators should be able to participate in public discussions without being reduced to disparaging labels.
They maintained that experts could be questioned over their evidence, arguments and standards of proof without diminishing their wider academic contributions.
Kamakoti is a member of the government’s task force on examination reforms. The panel was formed following controversy over alleged irregularities in national entrance examinations.
BJP MPs objected to Priyanka’s statement during the Lok Sabha debate, resulting in a political dispute over the remark and the composition of the reform panel.
