New Delhi, July 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A group of senior academicians has defended IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti following reported remarks by Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, asserting that his academic achievements and contributions to India should be respected and not diminished through personal criticism.
The reactions came after several academics and education leaders issued an open letter to Priyanka Gandhi expressing concern over her reported description of Prof. Kamakoti as a “gaumutra expert”. The signatories urged greater respect for scientific discourse and academic freedom in public life.
Speaking on the issue, IIM Calcutta Director Prof. Alok Rai described Prof. Kamakoti as a distinguished figure in India’s computer science community. Referring to the controversy surrounding cow urine, Rai said traditional Indian practices have long recognised the use of cow-derived products, including cow urine, and claimed that research and applications related to such products exist in several countries. He also listed various medicinal properties that he said have been associated with cow urine extracts.
Rai further pointed to the composition of the Centre’s committee on examination reforms, noting that it includes eminent personalities such as former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath, Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani, Pawan Deka and Anita Karwal. He said the government had selected the members based on their expertise to recommend measures for strengthening transparency and making entrance examination systems more robust.
Cluster University of Jammu Vice-Chancellor Prof. K.S. Chandrasekar also backed Prof. Kamakoti, saying his contributions to the country were substantial and should not be questioned.
While acknowledging that criticism is part of democratic discourse, Chandrasekar said public figures should first understand an individual’s work and credentials before making remarks about them. He added that more academicians were expected to endorse the open letter in support of the IIT Madras Director.
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