Economist and Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council (EAC-PM) member Sanjeev Sanyal on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, praised IIT Madras and its Director Prof V Kamakoti, calling the institute "the most interesting intellectual cluster in India." Sanyal's remarks followed an intensive three-day visit to the campus, where he observed various pioneering projects.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sanyal expressed his admiration, stating, "Heading home after 3 amazing days at IIT Madras. The place is the most interesting intellectual cluster in India right now… Just amazing things are happening there." He specifically commended Prof Kamakoti for fostering an environment of innovation.
Groundbreaking Initiatives at IIT Madras
Sanyal highlighted several key projects that impressed him, underscoring the institute's role in national technological and scientific advancement.
Advanced Brain Mapping Project
Among the initiatives that "blew his mind," Sanyal mentioned IIT Madras' brain-mapping program. The institute had previously unveiled ANCHOR (Atlas of Neurochemical Characterization of the Human Brainstem with 3D Reconstruction) in June 2026. Developed by the Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre (SGBC), ANCHOR is touted as the world's most detailed 3D atlas of the human brainstem.
This platform converts whole human brains into cell-resolution 3D atlases across prenatal, childhood, and adult stages. The project aims to significantly advance researchers' understanding of brain disorders and neurological diseases like rabies, dementia, and Alzheimer's, providing a crucial first step in comprehending the impact of diseases on brain structure.
Agnikul Cosmos: Pushing Space Boundaries
Sanyal also drew attention to Agnikul Cosmos, an IIT Madras-incubated space-tech startup. In May 2024, Agnikul made history by launching the world's first rocket powered by a single-piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic engine, developed entirely in India. Their Agnibaan rocket also marked India's first launch from a private launchpad located at Sriharikota, signaling a new era for indigenous space technology with support from ISRO and IN-SPACe.
Futuristic Mobility and Indigenous Engineering
Further showcasing the institute's diverse innovations, Sanyal pointed to ePlane's drone taxis, a project exploring advanced urban air mobility solutions. He also noted the ambitious effort to build India's first indigenous marine engine, a significant step towards self-reliance in critical maritime technology.
Political Context: Kamakoti's Recent Scrutiny
Sanyal's strong endorsement of Prof Kamakoti and IIT Madras comes amidst a political controversy. A day prior to Sanyal's praise, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi had criticized Kamakoti in the Lok Sabha, referring to him as a "gaumutra visheshgya" (cow urine expert). Her remarks came while questioning the government's newly constituted task force for reforming the National Testing Agency (NTA), of which Kamakoti is a member.
Gandhi's comments referenced a viral video from January 2025 where Kamakoti, speaking at a Maatu Pongal event in Chennai, recounted an anecdote about a sanyasi whose fever he claimed subsided after consuming cow urine. He had made these remarks in the context of promoting indigenous cattle and organic farming.