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IIT Madras director V Kamakoti’s praise of the medicinal value of cow urine has sparked controversy after he shared an anecdote about its healing effects.
IIT Madras director praises medicinal value of cow urine, faces criticism (Image: AyraNews24x7)
IIT Madras director V Kamakoti sparked controversy by praising the “medicinal value” of cow urine for treating infections, claiming it had “anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties” as well as digestive benefits. .
Speaking at the Cow Sanrakshan Sala program on Maatu Pongal (January 15, 2025), Kamakoti shared an anecdote about a monk who allegedly cured high fever by consuming cow urine.
“A prominent Sanyasi developed fever and the idea of calling a doctor was suggested to him… I have forgotten the name of that Sanyasi. He immediately said that he would drink cow urine. Cow urine was immediately brought and he consumed it comfortably. The fever disappeared within 15 minutes. Antibacterial, antifungal, for digestive problems and irritable bowel syndrome – among many other conditions – cow urine is a very important medicine, Kamakoti said.
Kamakoti also talked about the importance of organic farming and protecting indigenous cow breeds, highlighting their role in agriculture and economy. He stressed the environmental and economic benefits of ‘Go Sanrakshan’ (cow conservation) and advocated switching to organic farming to conserve ‘Bhoomi Mata’ (Mother Earth).
Controversy over IIT-Madras chief’s ‘cow urine’ claim
Kamakoti’s remarks have sparked controversy. Rationalist group Dravida Kazhagam criticized his statement, calling it “shameful” and against the truth. DMK leader TKS Elangovan accused the central government of trying to “spoil” education, while Thanthai Periyar Dravida Kazhagam’s K Ramakrishnan demanded evidence for Kamakoti’s claims. Apology, warning of protests otherwise.
Congress leader Karti P. Chidambaram called Kamakoti’s comments “pseudoscience” and said they were unbecoming of an IIT director.
Congress spokesperson Abhay Dubey asked experts to clarify Kamakoti’s claims.
“Those who research medicine must explain. If a major institution or individual has done the research, it is a different matter.”
DK leader Kali Poongundran cited a study indicating harmful bacteria in cow urine and warned against its consumption. Dr GR Ravindranath of the Doctors Association for Social Equality also criticized the BJP for promoting pseudo-science and warned of bacterial infection from consumption of cow urine.
Speaking to CNN-AyraNews24x7, AIADMK leader Kovai Sathyan said, “When you make any comment it has to be supported by some data. A person of his stature should have thought about this.”
BJP Tamil Nadu chief defends Kamakoti
BJP Tamil Nadu president K Annamalai defended Kamakoti, saying his remarks were personal and not part of any classroom lecture.
Speaking to reporters near the Meenakshi temple on Sunday, Annamalai said, “The IIT-M director is an expert in quantum physics, and he was also a member of top government agencies. He is firm on his religious beliefs and respect for the cow, which are not wrong. He did not force anyone to drink cow urine and only expressed his faith. We should not politicize such statements. The director of IIT-M is from Tamil Nadu, which is a matter of pride for the state. I know him and I don’t want to politicize it.
“They chose to pray to God in their own way, but a group of student unions are politicizing it. Everyone has the right to practice their religion. I urge them to stop protesting and respect the sanctity of the institution. IIT Madras is the pride not only of Chennai but of the entire country.”
Speaking to CNN-AyraNews24x7, activist Rahul Ishwar said, “His statement is more cultural and he has said this on the occasion of Mattu Pongal. There is a broad cultural sentiment regarding the cow which is also well enshrined in our Constitution.”
“His statement is more cultural and he has given it on the occasion of Mattu Pongal. There is a broad cultural sentiment regarding the cow which is also well enshrined in our Constitution”: activist @RahulIswar Controversy over IIT Madras director’s statement praising cow… pic.twitter.com/AzMJVBGE1R– AyraNews24x7 (@CNNnews18) 20 January 2025
People close to Kamakoti said his speech focused on promoting organic farming and protecting local cattle breeds. He explained that his main message was about the importance of sustainable farming practices, which was supported by scientific studies looking at the beneficial properties of cow urine.
Kamakoti, who is the director of IIT-Madras from January 2022, was speaking in the context of the threats to indigenous cow breeds and the benefits of organic farming. He also mentioned IIT-M’s initiatives like ‘cow shed automation’ and biogas production as part of its Regenerative Agriculture Stack Architecture programme.
(with inputs from agencies)
