IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti has sparked a debate after claiming that cow urine (gaumutra) has "anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties" and can aid in treating infections and improving digestion.

In a viral video, Kamakoti shared an old story about an ascetic who reportedly cured himself of high fever by consuming cow urine. His remarks have triggered mixed reactions, with some supporting the claims and others questioning the scientific validity of the statement.

Kamakoti said.“An ascetic was having a high fever and was thinking of calling a doctor. I forgot the sanyasi's name, but he said 'Gomuthran pinami'. He then immediately drank cow urine and in 15 minutes, his fever subsided,

Kamakoti has praised the "medicinal value" of cow urine (gaumutra), saying it has "anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and digestive properties." He also mentioned its potential benefits for conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

He made these remarks on January 15 during an event at a 'Go Samrakshana Sala' in Chennai, as part of the Maatu Pongal celebrations. The festival, dedicated to cows and bulls, is a time when people express gratitude to cattle for their role in agriculture and the economy. He marked the importance of organic farming and the contribution of indigenous cows to farming and the country's economy.

Political debate over gaumutra remark 

DMK leader TKS Elangovan has slammed IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti for his comments on the medicinal benefits of cow urine, accusing the central government of trying to "spoil" the country’s education system. Congress leader Karti Chidambaram also criticized Kamakoti, calling the statement unscientific. "Peddling pseudoscience by @iitmadras Director is most unbecoming @IMAIndiaOrg," he said in a tweet.

The remarks have sparked backlash, with political leaders questioning the promotion of such claims by an academic institution's head.

The rationalist group Dravidar Kazhagam criticized IIT Kamakoti’s claim about cow urine’s medicinal value, calling it "shameful." Leader Kali Poongundran cited a study stating that cow urine contains harmful bacteria and is unsafe for human consumption.

Poongundran called the remark "regressive" and urged people not to believe such claims. Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam leader K Ramakrishnan demanded Kamakoti provide proof for his statement or issue an apology, warning of protests otherwise.

Dr GR Ravindranath from the Doctors Association for Social Equality warned that consuming cow urine could cause bacterial infections and accused the BJP government of promoting pseudoscience.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai defended Kamakoti, saying his comment was a personal opinion and not a public lecture. Annamalai also praised Kamakoti for his achievements and criticized the DMK for politicizing the issue.

 V Kamakoti calls for organic farming

Speaking at an event on Maatu Pongal, the IIT Madras Director pinpointed the economic, nutritional, and environmental benefits of protecting cows. He warned against the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, saying it harms the soil and urged the importance of switching to organic farming.

Kamakoti advocated for biogas use and urged people to preserve farmlands instead of converting them into commercial spaces like marriage halls or cinemas.

He also highlighted the historical impact of British policies on India's farming system, alleging that Thomas Babington Macaulay aimed to eliminate indigenous cattle breeds to weaken India's self-reliance.

"Indigenous cows and bulls are the foundation of organic farming. We must make every effort to protect these breeds," he said.

Kamakoti, who became IIT Madras's Director in January 2022, is a recipient of the DRDO Academy Excellence Award (2013) for his contributions to scientific research and technology development.