Chennai: The viral video of a cow urine video featuring Director of IIT Madras V. Kamakoti speaks praises of the medicinal properties of cow urine and is creating a political stir in Tamil Nadu. In the video, of an event held on January 15, Kamakoti says he once consumed cow urine to cure a high fever, which he said has antibacterial and antifungal properties and helps digestive problems.
He made the remarks at a “Go Sanrakshan Shala,” which focused on protecting indigenous cow breeds and promoting organic farming. However, Kamakoti suggested cow urine may be beneficial in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and asked if it could be considered a medicine.
Leaders of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Congress parties have lashed out at his statements, calling them ‘shameful’ and ‘not rooted in reality.’. Kamakoti’s comments condemned as ‘insult to education’ by DMK leader T K S Elangovan, who accused the central government of ‘undermining education’ in the country. K. Kamakoti has not provided evidence for his claims or apologised, and Ramakrishnan from the Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam has threatened to stage protests if he does not.
Congress leader Karti P. Chidambaram also criticised the IIT director’s remarks as inappropriate for a person holding such a position to propagate such ideas. Dr. The central government fostered superstition, which hugely affects the health of the village, said G.R. Ravindranath, from the Doctors’ Association for Social Equality, warning cow urine might lead to bacterial infections.
BJP leaders, however, have defended Kamakoti’s remarks, saying there is no reason to politicise his comments. K. Tamil Nadu BJP president Annamalai said Kamakoti’s views are personal and were not part of any formal instruction or advocacy for drinking of cow urine.
Some of Kamakoti’s backers noted he expressed his personal opinions at the event and pointed to his background as an organic farmer. Kamakoti is recognised to have contributed to scientific research and technology development and has been since his appointment to office as director on 17 January 2022, as recipient of the 2013 DRDO Academy Excellence Award.
The debate over keeping Bahraich and adjoining districts lariwill continue to unfold, and the questions it raises about scientific credibility and how trditional practices mesh with modern standards in India are many.