Professional criticism acceptable but not personalised mockery: IIT Kharagpur Director Suman Chakraborty
Kolkata, July 31
Amid a row over Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's "gaumutra expert" remark aimed at IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti, another academician came to his aid. IIT Kharagpur Director Suman Chakraborty on Friday stated that "professional criticism" of any academician is welcome but he or she should not be subjected to "mockery at a personal level".
This comes a day after a group of academics and education leaders issued an open letter to Priyanka Gandhi, expressing concern over her alleged objectionable description of Professor Kamakoti and urging greater respect for scientific discourse and academic freedom in public life.
Speaking to reporters, Chakraborty cautioned that one should refrain from using a serious context as a "platform for mockery".
"...More so on an individual because individual attack is not desirable. So, I think that, you know, that the dignity of the individual, it is not just about Professor Kamakoti or any other professor, though personally, I admire his academic accolades...but it is a question of getting out of these personalised mockery based approach," he said.
"If there is a criticism, which is possible in a democracy, it should be a professional approach of criticising based on the context. For example, they may have an academic viewpoint which may be criticized by some others who may have a different academic viewpoint. It is very important and healthy in a democracy. But let there not be such kind of personalised mockery," he added.
Emphasising that academics and research are always kept separate from political ideology, the IIT Kharagpur Director said: "I have not come across any top academicians who have succumbed to purely political viewpoint of any association. Anyone can have personal support for any political party but let that not interfere with our profession. That sanctity is protected by all the top academicians, whom we have known."
In an address to politicians, Chakraborty said: "People from politics are most welcome to express their opinion because they actually have the pulse of the nation and are therefore important. But when they are giving their viewpoint, it should not be mixed with their personal opinion."
"My only appeal is that personalised comments, which can be derogatory or humiliating, should not be made on a respected academician, whoever that is," he underlined.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's refreshing to hear a senior academician speak with such maturity. The issue isn't about whether we agree with Prof. Kamakoti's views on nutrition or anything else; it's about the tone of public discourse. When political leaders trivialise academic credentials, it sets a poor precedent for the youth. I hope this message resonates across the political spectrum.
Finally, a voice of reason! The "gaumutra expert" comment was nothing but a cheap jibe to score political points. If Priyanka Gandhi had genuine concerns about any of Prof. Kamakoti's claims, she could have questioned the science or the data. Instead, she chose to belittle an accomplished academic. This kind of behaviour is why many bright minds hesitate to enter public debates. Respect is non-negotiable. 🙏
While I agree that personal mockery is unprofessional, let's also remember that public figures, including academicians, must be ready for scrutiny when they comment on public policy. The real problem here is the politicisation of science. We need more dialogue, not less, but the debate should remain on facts and logic, not on individuals.
I appreciate the Director's balanced view. He didn't defend Prof. Kamakoti's statements blindly but argued for a respectful discourse. That's what the IIT brand should stand for—excellence with grace. Politicians should stick to policy debates. Cracking silly jokes about experts only dumbs down our public sphere.
As an academic abroad, it's sad to see such a seasoned institution head even having to make this statement. The problem isn't just
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.