New Delhi, Aug. 13 -- A petition condemning the reported derogatory reference to V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, by Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has gathered more than 14,000 verified signatures on Change.org.

As per the press note, the petition, launched on August 1, has rapidly become a significant expression of concern within the academic and scientific communities, receiving support from people across India's disciplines, institutions, and states.

Overseas Indian scientists from more than 38 countries have lent their support to the petition.

Addressed to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Om Birla, the petition strongly objects to the use of the expression "Gau Mutra Expert" in reference to Kamakoti during parliamentary proceed...