IIT-M Director sparks row with cow urine cure claims, draws political flak

Indian Institute of Technology - Madras (IIT-M) director V Kamakoti came under fire for claiming that cow urine possesses anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and digestive properties, which he said could cure ailments like fever and irritable bowel syndrome. Although Kamakoti made these remarks during the ‘Go Samrakshana Sala’ event on January 15, they came to public attention on Monday, January 20, sparking widespread criticism.

During his speech, Kamakoti shared an anecdote about a sanyasi who reportedly recovered from a high fever after consuming cow urine. He emphasized its supposed medicinal value, citing its alleged anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. However, his comments quickly went viral on social media, drawing backlash for promoting what many termed “pseudoscience.”

Karnataka’s Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Priyank Kharge, was among the first to lambast Kamakoti, saying that the premier research institution under the BJP’s union government has been reduced to a “laughingstock.”

“Let’s turn this into a full-fledged mass movement! I urge all RSS and BJP leaders to lead by example—publicly downing 250 ml (or even a modest 100 ml) of cow urine and endorsing its miraculous benefits. Pair it with a delectable cow dung cake for a double dose of wellness,” Kharge wrote sarcastically on X (formerly Twitter).

He added, “It’s tragic that our prestigious universities under the Central Government’s purview are being reduced to churning out pseudoscience instead of real innovation. This is a disservice to the intellect of this country.”

DMK spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan also condemned Kamakoti, suggesting that he is unfit to head an educational institution. “He should be thrown out of the educational system. He belongs in a temple performing poojas, not leading an institute like IIT-M,” Elangovan said.

Amid the political backlash, Kamakoti defended his claims, asserting that they are supported by scientific evidence. Speaking to the media later in the evening, he said, “There are five scientific research papers published by American academicians that prove cow urine contains anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.”

When questioned about the political controversy, Kamakoti refrained from engaging but reiterated his stance, urging critics to examine the research before dismissing his claims.