Kamakoti endorsed medicinal benefits of cow urine last week & later asserted that there is ‘scientific evidence’. Those at IIT Madras say his beliefs have never disturbed the academics.
Chennai/New Delhi: Amid backlash for endorsing the medicinal benefits of cow urine, with opposition leaders accusing him of promoting “pseudoscience” and demanding an apology, V. Kamakoti, director of Indian Institute of Technology Madras, defended his statement Monday, asserting that there is “scientific evidence” to support it.
Speaking to media persons, Kamakoti reiterated that there is “scientific evidence” that cow urine contains antibacterial and antifungal properties, and shared five research papers backing the claim.
“The antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of cow urine have been scientifically demonstrated… Top journals in the United States have published scientific evidence. It is important to note that my comments were made in the context of advocating for organic farming and the protection of indigenous cattle breeds, which play a crucial role in agriculture and the overall economy,” he said.
Asked if he consumes Panchgavya—combination of five cow products, including milk, cow urine, cow dung, ghee and curd—he said, “During our festivals, we would eat Panchagavya. It is in our customs. I do eat Panchagavya.”
In a video clip that is being circulated on social media, Kamakoti is seen speaking about the benefits of cows, gaushalas (cow shelters) and central government’s initiatives to preserve cows at a Mattu Pongal celebration at a gaushala in West Mambalam in Chennai on 15 January.
Speaking in Tamil, Kamakoti shared the story of a sanyasi (hermit) and how his fever was cured by drinking cow urine. “A prominent sanyasi came and he developed a fever. People suggested calling a doctor. But, he immediately said—Gaumutra Tipani (he would drink gomutra). People went to gaushala and brought him the gaumutra. He consumed it and the fever disappeared in 15 minutes,” Kamakoti can be heard saying in the video.
“Gaumutra is antibacterial, antifungal, and a cure for digestive issues, irritable bowel syndrome and so many such issues. It is a very big medicine.”
This has sparked a political controversy with leaders from multiple opposition parties slamming Kamakoti’s remarks. However, his colleagues and students at IIT Madras say that he is a “balanced” academic with a scientific temper.
Congress leader Karti Chidambaram criticised the institute director for his statement and wrote in a post on X Saturday, “Peddling pseudoscience by @iitmadras Director is most unbecoming @IMAIndiaOrg.”
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader K. Ponmudi also condemned the remarks and sought an apology from Kamakoti for endorsing “unscientific” details. Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam leader K. Ramakrishnan demanded that Kamakoti either support his claim with proof or tender an apology, threatening to stage a protest against him.
Meanwhile, K Annamalai, president of Bharatiya Janata Party’s Tamil Nadu unit, hit out at the Opposition for “politicising” Kamakoti’s statement. “The IIT-M director is an expert in Quantum Physics and was also a member of top government agencies. He is firm in his religious beliefs and respect for cows, which are not wrong. He did not force anyone to drink cow’s urine and merely expressed his beliefs,” he told media persons in Chennai.
According to sources at IIT Madras, Kamakoti, being an organic farmer, is associated with some gaushalas in and around Chennai. “It was a private event, which he attended in his personal capacity. It has nothing to do with IIT Madras. Mattu Pongal is a celebration of cattle and a tradition in Tamil Nadu, and therefore he was invited for the same. He spoke about organic farming in detail,” a source told ThePrint.
We wandered the site with other tourists
Yet strangely the place did not seem crowded. I’m not sure if it was the sheer size of the place, or whether the masses congregated in one area and didn’t venture far from the main church, but I didn’t feel overwhelmed by tourists in the monastery.
Support Our Journalism
India needs fair, non-hyphenated and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. ThePrint – with exceptional reporters, columnists and editors – is doing just that.
Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in India or overseas, you can take a paid subscription by clicking here.
