Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has reignited a controversy by describing IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti as a “gau mutra expert,” a reference to his remarks on cow urine made in 2025.
The jibe followed the government’s announcement of a high‑powered task force headed by Infosys co‑founder Nandan Nilekani, which will recommend reforms to the National Testing Agency (NTA) after a spate of paper leak scandals. Kamakoti has been appointed to the panel for his expertise in computer architecture, information security, and VLSI design.
Kamakoti, who took charge as IIT Madras Director in January 2022, is best known for leading the team behind SHAKTI, India’s first indigenous industrial‑grade microprocessor. He has also served on the National Security Advisory Board, chaired the AI Task Force of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and sits on technology committees of the RBI and NSE.
The “gau mutra” reference stems from his remarks at a Maatu Pongal event in Chennai in January 2025, where he spoke about the antibacterial and antifungal properties of cow urine and shared an anecdote about its use by an ascetic. Critics argued the claims lacked clinical evidence, while supporters said he was citing published research and traditional knowledge.
Despite the controversy, Kamakoti’s role in the exam reform panel is expected to focus on technology and transparency in score calculation, with emphasis on accountability across the examination chain.
The remarks by Priyanka Gandhi have added a political dimension to the appointment, drawing attention away from Kamakoti’s extensive academic and technological contributions, including over 150 research papers, 50 government projects, and multiple national awards such as the Padma Shri in 2026.
