Archive · 30 Jul 2026
Academics Condemn Priyanka Gandhi’s ‘Gau Mutra’ Remark on IIT Madras Director
Priyanka Gandhi, a Congress MP, said in Parliament that a scientist named V Kamakoti was a ‘gau mutra expert’.
Many teachers and university leaders were upset and wrote a letter saying that calling a scientist a ‘gau mutra expert’ is rude and hurts science.
They pointed out that Kamakoti has many good achievements, like many research papers and awards.
The letter asked Parliament to talk about ideas politely and not use jokes that hurt people’s work.
Priyanka’s comment happened while they were talking about new rules for exams in India.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra referred to IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti as a ‘gau mutra expert’ in a Lok Sabha speech.
Over 200 academics, including vice‑chancellors, signed an open letter condemning the remark as disrespectful to scientific scholarship.
The letter highlighted Kamakoti’s credentials: Ph.D. from IIT Madras, 150+ research papers, and awards such as the DRDO Academic Excellence Award.
The letter urged Parliament to debate ideas with rigor and avoid mockery that undermines scientific temper.
The comment was made during a debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, and the formation of a six‑member exam‑reform task force.
- Who
- Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, V Kamakoti, 215 academics
- What
- Open letter condemning Gandhi’s remark about Kamakoti
- When
- July 30, 2024
- Where
- Lok Sabha, New Delhi
- Why
- To protect scientific temper and academic dignity
- Speaker
- Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
- Target
- V Kamakoti
- Event
- Open letter by 215 academics
- Date
- July 30, 2024
- Location
- Lok Sabha, New Delhi
Sources
215 Academics Slam Priyanka Gandhi's 'Cow Urine' Remark On IIT Professor
Over 200 academicians write to Priyanka flagging her ‘gau mutra expert’ jab at Kamakoti
More than 200 academicians attack Priyanka Gandhi over ‘gau mutra expert’ jab at IIT Madras director
