‘Disagreement is democratic, mockery is not’:215 Vice Chancellors, academicians write to Priyanka, object to ‘cow urine expert’ remark on Prof Kamakoti

215 current and former vice-chancellors and academicians from across the country have written an open letter to Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi. They have objected to her comments against Professor V. Kamakoti. The letter states that facts and dignity should be kept in mind while making public comments on any academician. Those who signed the letter said that Prof. V. Kamakoti has a long academic career and contribution to education. His work has received national and international recognition. In such a situation, the comments made against him are not only related to an individual but also to the dignity of Higher Education Institutes. The open letter appeals to Priyanka Gandhi to reconsider her statement and strengthen the tradition of healthy and fact-based dialogue in public life. The signatories said that differences of opinion are natural in a democratic system, but academicians and academic institutions should be kept away from political controversies. The letter also stated that responsibility and balance are necessary in public discourse to maintain the credibility of universities and higher education institutions. Academicians expressed hope that constructive dialogue on this issue would move forward and all parties would play a positive role in maintaining the prestige of academic institutions.