Priyanka Gandhi Targets IIT Madras Director
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has described IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti as a “gau mutra expert”, reviving controversy over his earlier remarks on cow urine as he joins a high-powered task force established to reform India’s examination system.
Priyanka Gandhi Targets V. Kamakoti
Priyanka made the remark during a Lok Sabha discussion on proposed amendments to the law dealing with paper leaks and unfair practices in public examinations.
Her comment referred to Kamakoti’s January 2025 remarks about the purported medicinal properties of cow urine. The IIT Madras director had claimed that it possessed antibacterial and antifungal properties and could support digestion, triggering criticism and debate over the scientific basis of his statements.
The Congress leader’s description has now brought those remarks back into public discussion.
Kamakoti Joins NTA Reform Task Force
Kamakoti has been appointed to a high-powered examination reform task force headed by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani.
The panel has been constituted amid concerns over paper leaks and weaknesses in examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency. It is expected to recommend technological, administrative and security reforms aimed at making entrance and recruitment examinations more transparent, secure and reliable.
The appointment has also drawn political attention because of the continuing controversy surrounding Kamakoti’s earlier comments.
IIT Madras Director’s Academic Credentials
Kamakoti holds MS and PhD degrees in computer science and engineering from IIT Madras. He joined the institute’s faculty in 2001 and became its director in January 2022.
His research areas include computer architecture, secure systems, high-performance computing and VLSI design. He also led the team behind Shakti, India’s indigenously developed microprocessor programme aimed at reducing dependence on imported processors in strategic sectors.
The controversy has therefore placed his earlier remarks alongside his extensive academic and technological record.
