IIT Madras Director’s ‘Gaumutra’ Remark Sparks Row: ‘Fever Appeared To Have Vanished In 15 Minutes’
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IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti’s praise for gaumutra’s medicinal value has sparked controversy after he shared an anecdote about its healing effects.
IIT Madras director praises cow urine’s medicinal value, faces criticism. (Image: News18)
IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti sparked controversy by praising the “medicinal value” of cow urine (gaumutra) for treating infections, claiming it has “anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties” as well as digestive benefits.
Speaking at a Go Samrakshana Sala event on Maatu Pongal (January 15, 2025), Kamakoti shared an anecdote about a sanyasi who reportedly cured a high fever by consuming gaumutra.
“A prominent sanyasi developed a fever, and the idea of calling a doctor was suggested to him… I have forgotten the name of that sanyasi. He immediately said he would drink gaumutra. Gaumutra was promptly brought, and he consumed it with ease. The fever appeared to vanish within 15 minutes. For antibacterial, antifungal, digestive issues, and irritable bowel syndrome—among many other conditions—gaumutra is a very important medicine,” Kamakoti said.
Kamakoti also spoke about the importance of organic farming and protecting indigenous cow breeds, highlighting their role in agriculture and the economy. He emphasised the environmental and economic benefits of ‘Go samrakshana’ (cow protection) and advocated for a switch to organic farming to preserve ‘Bhoomi Mata’ (Mother Earth).
Controversy Over IIT-Madras Chief ‘Gaumutra’ Claims
Kamakoti’s remarks have sparked controversy. The rationalist group Dravidar Kazhagam criticised his statement, calling it “shameful” and against the truth. DMK leader TKS Elangovan accused the central government of trying to “spoil” education, while K Ramakrishnan of Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam demanded evidence for Kamakoti’s claims or an apology, warning of protests otherwise.
Congress leader Karti P Chidambaram called Kamakoti’s remarks “pseudoscience” and said they were unbecoming of an IIT director.
Congress spokesperson Abhay Dubey asked experts to provide an explanation for Kamakoti’s claims.
“Those who research medicine should explain. If a prominent institution or individual has conducted research, that’s a different matter,” he said.
DK leader Kali Poongundran referred to a study indicating harmful bacteria in cow urine, warning against its consumption. Dr. GR Ravindranath of the Doctors Association for Social Equality also warned of bacterial infections from consuming gaumutra, criticising the BJP for promoting pseudoscience.
Speaking to CNN-News18, AIADMK leader Kovai Sathyan said, “When you make a remark it has to be backed by some data. A person of his calibre should have thought about that.”
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BJP Tamil Nadu Chief Defends Kamakoti
BJP Tamil Nadu president K Annamalai defended Kamakoti, stating that his remarks were personal and not part of any classroom lecture.
Talking to reporters near the Meenakshi temple on Sunday, Annamalai said, “The IIT-M director is an expert in quantum physics, and he was also member of top government agencies. He is firm in his religious beliefs and respect for cow, which are not wrong. He did not force anyone to drink cow’s urine and merely expressed his beliefs. We must not politicise such statements. The IIT-M director is from Tamil Nadu, which is a matter of pride for the state. I know him and I do not want to politicise this.”
“He chose to pray to God in his own way, but a group of student unions is politicising it. Everyone has the right to practice their religion. I urge them to stop the protest and respect the sanctity of the institution. IIT Madras is not only the pride of Chennai but of the entire country,” he added.
Speaking to CNN-News18, Activist Rahul Easwar said, “His statement is more of a cultural one and he made that on the occasion of Mattu Pongal. There is a widespread cultural sentiment regarding cow which is well enshrined in our Constitution itself.”
“His statement is more of a cultural one and he made that on the occasion of Mattu Pongal. There is a widespread cultural sentiment regarding cow which is well enshrined in our Constitution itself”: Activist @RahulEaswar on row over IIT Madras Director’s statement praising cow… pic.twitter.com/AzMJVBGE1R— News18 (@CNNnews18) January 20, 2025
People close to Kamakoti said his speech focused on promoting organic farming and protecting local cattle breeds. They explained that his main message was about the importance of sustainable farming practices, supported by scientific studies that looked into the beneficial properties of cow urine.
Kamakoti, who has been the director of IIT-Madras since January 2022, was speaking in the context of threats to indigenous cow breeds and the benefits of organic farming. He also mentioned IIT-M’s initiatives like ‘Goshala automation’ and biogas production as part of their Regenerative Agriculture Stack Architecture program.
(With inputs from agencies)
