215 academicians object to Priyanka Gandhi’s ‘gau mutra expert’ remark on IIT-M directorMore than 200 academicians wrote to Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra objecting to her "gau mutra expert" remark against IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti, saying criticism should address ideas with evidence rather than ridicule scholars or undermine scientific discourseBy PTI Published Date - 30 July 2026, 08:32 PMNew Delhi: More than 200 academicians have written an open letter to Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, objecting to her “gau mutra expert” remark targeting IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti, saying that “mockery” cannot be a substitute for reasoned engagement. “We write to express our disappointment over your reported remark describing IIT Madras Director Professor V Kamakoti as a ‘gaumutra expert’. Professor Kamakoti is the head of one of India’s foremost scientific and technological institutions,” the letter said. Meanwhile, the new committee includes a former IB chief, an IT company owner, and even a ‘gau mutra’ expert.” Responding to the criticism, Kamakoti had maintained at the time that his comments were based on published scientific literature.