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.
‘Man of scientific temper’
Kamakoti was appointed as the director of IIT Madras in January 2022. Before that, he was a professor at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering of the institute. He completed Bachelors of Engineering in Computer Science from University of Madras, followed by Masters of Science (by research) and PhD at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.
He is also a member of the advisory committee for India’s semiconductor mission.
Several faculty members and students told ThePrint that Kamakoti is a “balanced person”, when it comes to administration, and has never crossed the line of academics inside the institution.
“He has his own beliefs and that has never disturbed the academics. However, he is a staunch follower of Kanchi Periyava, which he does not hesitate to display at his office,” a professor said, adding that Kamakoti’s room smells like a temple with the fragrance of incense sticks.
A source close to Kamakoti also shared that he does not even have a passport. “He had once shared with us that he does not even have a passport, and would not visit any foreign country, as he was advised by his guru, a junior disciple of Kanchi Periyava, not to go out of the country.”
A final-year BTech student told ThePrint, requesting anonymity, that while Kamakoti has been professional and balanced in his administrative role, the incident has raised some concerns among students. “It is so unfortunate what the director has said, although he is generally a man of scientific temper.”
The student added, “However, there have been instances in the past that raised doubts about his political leanings—like the recent invitations extended to BJP leader Annamalai to speak on campus.” Annamalai had appeared as a speaker at IIT Madras’s Extra Mural Lecture Series in March last year, and had also attended the institute’s literary fest in April 2023.
However, a faculty member, who did not wish to be named, said that leaders from other parties were also invited for this lecture series, including Aam Aadmi Party’s Atishi. “It’s not political at all.”
Another final-year student told ThePrint that the director has always prioritised scientific evidence above all else. “Even if he has personal beliefs, they never interfere with his work,” the student said. “Who doesn’t have political or religious beliefs?”
Kamakoti as the director
Under the leadership of Kamakoti, IIT Madras has reached significant milestones since 2022. In 2023, it became the first ever IIT to establish an offshore campus in Zanzibar. Additionally, it has maintained its position as the top-ranked educational institution in India in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings, securing the top spot yet again in 2024.
Kamakoti has set an ambitious target for the institution to file one patent per day, a vision that has led to impressive results. In 2023, the number of patents granted nearly doubled, rising from 156 in 2022 to 300.
Over the past two years, Kamakoti has also introduced innovative admission categories, making IIT Madras the first one to offer quotas for both sports and cultural achievements. “He has been highly innovative and professional in his approach as director, but making this remark was highly irresponsible. I’m not sure what prompted him to say that,” said a senior faculty member, on the condition of anonymity.
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