IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti has stirred up a storm after he reportedly made a remark praising the “medicinal values” of cow urine. A video clip of his remark has gone viral on social platforms, drawing flak from the DMK and other Dravidian outfits.
Kamakoti made the remark while addressing an event at a Go Samrakshana Sala on the day of Maatu Pongal (January 15).
Talking about the significance of switching to organic farming, the director claimed ‘Gomutra’ (cow urine) has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and digestive properties. He said cow urine is useful as a medicine for conditions such as the Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Kamakoti narrated the story of a sanyasi and said the ascetic, when he had high fever, consumed gomutra and he was cured.
DMK leader T.K.S. Elangovan hit out at Kamakoti and accused the central government of spoiling the education in the country.
Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam leader K. Ramakrishnan demanded an apology of the director and said the outfit would stage a protest against him.
Congress leader Karti Chidambaram accused Kamakoti of peddling pseudoscience while the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) termed his remarks as “shameful”.
DK leader Kali Poongundran cited a study which showed that the cow urine had harmful bacterias and hence, not suitable for direct human consumption.
Kamakoti assumed charge as director of IIT-M on January 17, 2022.
