Mockery is not a substitute: VCs write to Priyanka Gandhi over V Kamakoti remarks

Vice chancellors in an open letter have criticised Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's reported remark about IIT Madras director V Kamakoti in the Lok Sabha. They said the comment undermined academic discourse and could deter scholars from public debate.After a heated exchange in the Lok Sabha between Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and BJP leader Anurag Thakur, vice chancellors of several universities and higher educational institutions have criticised Priyanka Gandhi's reported remark describing IIT Madras Director Professor V Kamakoti as a "cow urine expert".Over 215 vice chancellors, former vice chancellors and academicians have written an open letter expressing support for IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti. In the letter, they expressed "deep disappointment" over Priyanka Gandhi's reported remark, saying it undermines academic discourse and the dignity of scientific institutions.The controversy began when Priyanka Gandhi, while speaking on the Centre's proposed task force on examination reforms in Parliament, referred to Prof. Kamakoti as a "cow urine expert."Apart from the open letter signed by vice chancellors and academicians, IIT Hyderabad had earlier described the controversy surrounding Professor VKamakoti as a "case study" that should be examined in that context rather than through political rhetoric. CONCERNS BEYOND ONE INDIVIDUALIn the open letter, the vice chancellors said the remark was not merely about one academic but reflected a broader concern about how scholars are treated in public discourse."Whether intended as sarcasm or political rhetoric, such a characterisation raises concerns that go far beyond one individual," the letter said. The signatories added that Parliament should remain a forum where ideas are debated with rigour, disagreements are expressed with dignity and individuals are judged by the strength of their arguments rather than through labels or caricatures.'CRITICISE IDEAS, NOT SCHOLAR'The vice chancellors highlighted Prof. Kamakoti's academic and research contributions, noting that he heads one of India's leading scientific and technological institutions.They said Professor Kamakoti holds MS and PhD degrees in Computer Science and Engineering from IIT Madras, has authored more than 150 research papers, led over 50 research and development projects, and has received honours including the DRDO Academic Excellence Award and the Indian Electronics and Semiconductor Association Techno Visionary Award.The letter also noted his role in guiding the development of India's first industry-grade microprocessor.The signatories said that, like any academic, Prof. Kamakoti is entitled to present hypotheses, discuss traditional knowledge and participate in scientific debates."To dismiss a scholar through a label rather than engage with the substance of his views risks undermining the very scientific temper that our Constitution calls upon every citizen to develop," the letter stated.'SCIENTIFIC TEMPER REQUIRES OBJECTIVE EXAMINATION'The vice chancellors argued that scientific temper is not limited to scepticism towards unconventional ideas but also includes examining claims objectively before accepting or rejecting them.They said history has shown that several ideas initially dismissed were later scientifically validated, while many accepted beliefs were eventually disproved.The letter further warned that such remarks could discourage scientists, researchers and educators from participating in public discussions."Our scientists, scholars and educators deserve to know that they can participate in public debate without fear of being reduced to dismissive labels," it said.The vice chancellors added that while academic arguments should be challenged and evidence questioned, scholarship itself should not be diminished."In a democracy, disagreement is essential. Mockery is not a substitute for reasoned engagement," the letter said, expressing hope that future debates in Parliament would uphold the values of respectful and informed discussion.- EndsPublished By: Rishab ChauhanPublished On: Jul 30, 2026 17:32 IST