New Delhi, August 14: The controversy surrounding Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s remarks about the director of IIT Madras, Professor V. Kamakoti, has intensified. An online campaign has garnered support from 14,000 individuals, including scientists from 38 countries.
This initiative was launched on Change.org, demanding that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla take notice of the issue. The campaign also calls for Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to retract her statement and issue an apology. Organizers argue that personal comments about academics are inappropriate.
During a discussion in the Lok Sabha on the Anti-Paper Leak Bill, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, without naming the IIT Madras director, stated, “The new committee formed by the government includes a former IB chief, an IT company owner, and a cow urine expert. What does a cow urine expert know about education?”
Her remarks sparked sharp reactions on social media and within academic circles. Campaign initiators labeled the comments as personal and derogatory, asserting that criticism of a scientist or academic should be based on their work and ideas, not personal attacks.
According to the organizers, as of 9 AM on August 13, nearly 14,000 people had supported the campaign, including Indian scientists residing in over 38 countries. They have appealed to professors, researchers, educators, academic administrators, alumni, and students to support this initiative.
The organizers clarified that the campaign is not in support of or against any political party, government, or ideology. Its goal is to promote respectful language and fact-based discussions in Parliament and public life.
In response to Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s comments, many current and former vice-chancellors and academics across the country have also written to her. The letter emphasizes the need to consider facts and the dignity of individuals when making public comments about academics. While disagreements are natural, mocking someone is unacceptable.
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