CHENNAI: A video of IIT-Madras director V Kamakoti extolling the medicinal benefits of ‘gaumutra’ (cow urine) has gone viral and drawn criticism that he is peddling pseudo-science.
At an event at a cow shelter on Maatu Pongal (Jan 15), a Tamil festival celebrating cattle, Kamakoti said ‘gomutra’ possessed “anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and digestive properties” and could be a remedy for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.
In the video, Kamakoti also narrated an anecdote about a sanyasi who, he said, recovered from high fever 15 minutes after consuming ‘gaumutra’.
The IIT-Madras director linked his remarks to the broader importance of organic farming, emphasising the role of indigenous cattle in agriculture and the economy. He also spoke about the need to switch to organic farming at the event.
Kamakoti’s comments on cow urine sparked sharp criticism from various political and social groups. Dravidar Kazhagam, a rationalist outfit, accused Kamakoti of promoting unscientific beliefs.
“There is no scientific basis for the medicinal value of cow urine. It’s a liquid waste of an animal. His comment shows that the IIT-Madras director does not possess scientific temper,” said K Poongundran, vice-president of Dravidar Kazhagam.
“A study conducted by Uttar Pradesh’s animal welfare department’s research centre shows that cow urine contains bacteria and is not fit to drink,” he added.
DMK leader TKS Elangovan said, “Cow urine is not a medicine and Kamakoti is not a qualified doctor to say such things… If somebody has a problem, they need to consult a doctor.”
