Petition condemning Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for derogatory remarks to Prof V. Kamakoti.
The Issue
To
The Hon'ble Speaker of the Lok Sabha
Parliament of India
New Delhi
Subject: Petition condemning the derogatory reference to Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, as a "Gau Mutra Expert" during Lok Sabha proceedings
Respected Hon'ble Speaker ,
We, the undersigned Professors, Scientists, Researchers, Academicians, Educationists, and members of the Scientific community from universities and research institutions across India and abroad, wish to place on record our profound anguish and unequivocal condemnation of the derogatory reference made by Hon'ble Member of Parliament Ms. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who referred to Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, as a "Gau Mutra Expert" during the proceedings of the Lok Sabha.
Prof. V. Kamakoti is an internationally respected computer scientist, an accomplished academic administrator, and the Director of IIT Madras—an institution that has consistently been ranked as India's premier engineering and research university. His distinguished contributions to computer architecture, cybersecurity, indigenous processor development through the SHAKTI project, digital technologies, and national educational initiatives have earned him widespread respect within India and internationally.
The use of the expression Gau Mutra Expert to describe such a distinguished academic was neither a legitimate academic critique nor a reasoned political argument. It constituted a personal and derogatory remark that demeaned not only an individual scholar but also the dignity of the office he occupies and the institution he represents.
India's universities and research institutions are built upon the principles of scholarship, intellectual freedom, scientific inquiry, and mutual respect. Public representatives are fully entitled to question policies, or committee recommendations. However, such criticism must remain focused on issues and evidence rather than resorting to personal ridicule or disparaging labels.
When an eminent academic heading one of India's foremost institutions is publicly mocked through a derogatory epithet on the floor of Parliament, it sends an unfortunate message to the academic community, young researchers, and students.
Our concern transcends political affiliations. This petition is not about defending any government, political party, or ideological position. It is about defending the dignity of India's academic institutions and affirming that scholars should be evaluated on the basis of their academic achievements, professional competence, and contributions to society—not caricatured through derogatory expressions.
We therefore respectfully request the Hon'ble Speaker of the Lok Sabha to:
1. Take cognizance of the widespread concern expressed by the academic community regarding the derogatory reference to Prof. V. Kamakoti as a "Gau Mutra Expert."
2. We also request that the Hon'ble Member who made the remark withdraw the expression and express regret for the personal nature of the comment, thereby reaffirming her commitment to respectful democratic discourse.
As teachers, researchers, and mentors, we continually impress upon our students the importance of civility, evidence, and reasoned discourse. We expect that the highest legislative body of our Republic should exemplify these same values.
We call upon professors, scientists, researchers, academic administrators, teachers, alumni, and members of the global academic community to endorse this petition in defence of the dignity of Indian academia and in support of respectful parliamentary discourse.
Respectfully submitted,
The Undersigned Members of the Academic Community
Indraprastha Vigyan Bharati
17,194
The Issue
To
The Hon'ble Speaker of the Lok Sabha
Parliament of India
New Delhi
Subject: Petition condemning the derogatory reference to Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, as a "Gau Mutra Expert" during Lok Sabha proceedings
Respected Hon'ble Speaker ,
We, the undersigned Professors, Scientists, Researchers, Academicians, Educationists, and members of the Scientific community from universities and research institutions across India and abroad, wish to place on record our profound anguish and unequivocal condemnation of the derogatory reference made by Hon'ble Member of Parliament Ms. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who referred to Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, as a "Gau Mutra Expert" during the proceedings of the Lok Sabha.
Prof. V. Kamakoti is an internationally respected computer scientist, an accomplished academic administrator, and the Director of IIT Madras—an institution that has consistently been ranked as India's premier engineering and research university. His distinguished contributions to computer architecture, cybersecurity, indigenous processor development through the SHAKTI project, digital technologies, and national educational initiatives have earned him widespread respect within India and internationally.
The use of the expression Gau Mutra Expert to describe such a distinguished academic was neither a legitimate academic critique nor a reasoned political argument. It constituted a personal and derogatory remark that demeaned not only an individual scholar but also the dignity of the office he occupies and the institution he represents.
India's universities and research institutions are built upon the principles of scholarship, intellectual freedom, scientific inquiry, and mutual respect. Public representatives are fully entitled to question policies, or committee recommendations. However, such criticism must remain focused on issues and evidence rather than resorting to personal ridicule or disparaging labels.
When an eminent academic heading one of India's foremost institutions is publicly mocked through a derogatory epithet on the floor of Parliament, it sends an unfortunate message to the academic community, young researchers, and students.
Our concern transcends political affiliations. This petition is not about defending any government, political party, or ideological position. It is about defending the dignity of India's academic institutions and affirming that scholars should be evaluated on the basis of their academic achievements, professional competence, and contributions to society—not caricatured through derogatory expressions.
We therefore respectfully request the Hon'ble Speaker of the Lok Sabha to:
1. Take cognizance of the widespread concern expressed by the academic community regarding the derogatory reference to Prof. V. Kamakoti as a "Gau Mutra Expert."
2. We also request that the Hon'ble Member who made the remark withdraw the expression and express regret for the personal nature of the comment, thereby reaffirming her commitment to respectful democratic discourse.
As teachers, researchers, and mentors, we continually impress upon our students the importance of civility, evidence, and reasoned discourse. We expect that the highest legislative body of our Republic should exemplify these same values.
We call upon professors, scientists, researchers, academic administrators, teachers, alumni, and members of the global academic community to endorse this petition in defence of the dignity of Indian academia and in support of respectful parliamentary discourse.
Respectfully submitted,
The Undersigned Members of the Academic Community
Indraprastha Vigyan Bharati
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Petition created on 31 July 2026