IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti has stirred controversy with his remarks praising the "medicinal value" of cow urine (gaumutra). Speaking at a Pongal event in Chennai on January 15, Kamakoti highlighted its purported health benefits, including its "anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and digestive properties," while urging the protection of indigenous cows and promoting organic farming.
Viral video and remarks
In a viral video, Kamakoti recounted a story about an ascetic who reportedly cured himself of a high fever by drinking cow urine. "The ascetic said 'gomuthran pinami' and drank cow urine.
In 15 minutes, his fever subsided," Kamakoti said. He also suggested that cow urine could help treat conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
The remarks were made during a speech at a 'Go Samrakshana Sala' (cow protection center) event on Maatu Pongal, a Tamil festival celebrating the contributions of cattle to agriculture.
Call for organic farming
At the event, Kamakoti emphasised the economic, nutritional, and environmental importance of indigenous cows in organic farming. He warned against overusing fertilisers, advocated for biogas, and opposed converting farmland for commercial purposes. "Indigenous cows and bulls are essential for organic farming and must be protected," he said.
Kamakoti also criticised British colonial policies, claiming they aimed to eliminate India’s native cattle breeds to weaken the country.
Political backlash
The remark sparked strong reactions from political and social groups in Tamil Nadu:
- DMK leader TKS Elangovan accused the BJP-led central government of using education to "promote pseudoscience."
- Congress MP Karti Chidambaram criticised Kamakoti, calling his remarks "unscientific" and "unbecoming" of an IIT director.
- Dravidar Kazhagam labeled the statement "shameful" and cited studies claiming cow urine contains harmful bacteria.
K Ramakrishnan, leader of the Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam, demanded scientific proof to back Kamakoti’s claims, threatening protests if he did not apologise.
Defense from BJP
Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai defended Kamakoti, praising his accomplishments and calling the criticism politically motivated. Annamalai clarified that the professor’s remarks were personal opinions, not directives.
V Kamakoti, who became IIT Madras Director in January 2022, is a recipient of the DRDO Academy Excellence Award (2013) for his contributions to science and technology. Sources close to Kamakoti described him as an advocate of organic farming who spoke at the event in that context.
The controversy over the IIT Madras Director's comments on cow urine has sparked a wider debate on science, tradition, and politics in Tamil Nadu. While some hail his promotion of organic farming, others have criticised his remarks as unscientific.
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