The controversy over the statement calling IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti a ‘cow urine expert’ has escalated. More than 14,000 people have signed an online petition against Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
The petition demands that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla take cognizance of the matter. It also demands that Priyanka Gandhi withdraw her comment and apologize. This petition was started on Change.org on August 1.
According to the organizers, it has received support from many states and educational institutions across the country. Indian scientists living in more than 38 countries have also supported it. The organizers have described it as a concern of the scientific and academic community.
What is the issue?
During a parliamentary proceeding, Priyanka Gandhi referred to IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti as a “cow urine expert.” The petition’s organisers called the remark personal and insulting.
They said scientists and academics should be criticised based on their work and views rather than through personal remarks. The organisers also claimed that such language undermines the dignity of a respected scientist and affects the reputation of the institution he heads.
Petition highlights Kamakoti’s contributions
The petition also highlights V Kamakoti’s scientific and academic contributions in computer architecture, cybersecurity, and indigenous processor development.
It specifically mentions his work on developing indigenous processors through the SHAKTI project, as well as his contributions to digital technology and national education initiatives.
The petition says the work of teachers, scientists, researchers, and academic institutions should be respected, and personal ridicule should be avoided in public debates.
Petition makes two key demands from Lok Sabha Speaker
The petition makes two major demands:
The Lok Sabha Speaker should take note of the concerns raised by the academic and scientific community over the remark.
The concerned MP should withdraw the alleged remark and apologise for its personal and insulting nature.
Appeal for support from the academic community
The organisers said the campaign is neither in support of nor against any political party, government, or ideology. Its aim is to promote respectful language and fact-based debate in Parliament and public life.
The petition appeals to professors, scientists, researchers, teachers, academic administrators, alumni, students, and the global academic community to support the campaign.
Kamakoti’s video surfaced in 2025
A video of Prof V Kamakoti surfaced in 2025 in which he claimed that cow urine has antibacterial and antifungal properties and can cure several diseases, including IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).
Professor cited a 2021 Nature study
To support his claim, Prof. Kamakoti shared an article published in the journal Nature in June 2021.
The study, by scientists associated with the National Dairy Research Institute’s Animal Biotechnology Centre and Cell Biology and Proteomics Lab, reported findings from peptide profiling of cow urine.
The researchers described a simple method for identifying thousands of endogenous peptides in cow urine and said these may contribute to different types of bioactivity associated with it.
