New Delhi: A video clip featuring IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti, in which he purportedly lauds Gomutra (cow urine) for its “medicinal value”, has gone viral on social media.
In the video, Kamakoti is purportedly seen endorsing the “anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and digestive properties” of gomutra, as he claims that it is used to treat conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, according to a report by PTI.
His remarks came during an event at a Go Samrakshana Sala in Chennai on January 15, coinciding with Maatu Pongal, a Tamil festival celebrating cattle. Talking at the event, Kamakoti reportedly narrated an anecdote about a sanyasi who allegedly recovered from high fever after consuming gomutra.
The IIT-Madras director connected his remarks to the broader significance of organic farming, highlighting the role of indigenous cattle in agriculture and the economy. “We can forget Bhoomi Mata (Mother Earth) if we use fertilisers. The quicker we switch to organic, natural farming, the better it will be for us,” he pointed out. PTI reported that sources in the institution confirmed that Kamatkoti made the remarks.
Peddling pseudoscience by @iitmadras Director is most unbecoming @IMAIndiaOrg https://t.co/ukB0jwBh8G
— Karti P Chidambaram (@KartiPC) January 18, 2025
Widespread criticism for the comments
The remarks by the IIT Madras director were flayed by members of the Congress and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. Congress leader Karti P Chidambaram hit out at the remark and accused the IIT Madras director of “peddling pseudoscience”. DMK leader TKS Elangovan claimed the central government was using such narratives to “spoil” education in the country. K Ramakrishnan, leader of the Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam, asked Kamakoti to provide evidence for his claims or tender an apology.
Kamakoti, who took over as IIT-Madras director in 2022, is a recipient of the DRDO Academy Excellence Award (2013) for his significant contributions to scientific research and technology development.
