A video clip of IIT Madras Director V. Kamakoti is becoming increasingly viral on social media. In this clip he has reportedly praised the medicinal properties of cow urine. In the video, Kamakoti endorsed the “anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and digestive properties” of cow urine, PTI reported. He also claimed that cow urine is used in the treatment of diseases like irritable bowel syndrome.
Statement given during the program
This statement was given during a program organized at a cow protection school in Chennai. Kamakoti shared the story of a monk in the programme, in which he told that the man consumed cow urine during high fever and it was beneficial for his health. However, Moneycontrol Hindi has not independently verified this claim.
The organization confirmed
According to news agency PTI, IIT Madras sources have confirmed that this comment has been made by Kamakoti. The institute pointed out that the director had spoken at the Gaushala program as an organic farmer and his comments should be understood in a broader context.
opposition and criticism
This statement of V. Kamakoti is being severely criticized. Leaders of Congress and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) have termed his statement as propaganda of ‘pseudoscience’.
Congress leader’s opposition
Congress leader Karti P. Chidambaram strongly condemned the director for this statement. Calling it an example of ‘pseudoscience’, he tagged the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and wrote, “It is unbecoming of IMA for the Director of IIT Madras to promote such pseudoscience.”
DMK leader’s demand
DMK leader TKS Elangovan also raised objection on the matter. He has demanded that V. Kamakoti should be removed from his post and transferred elsewhere.
IIT Madras embroiled in controversies
The comments of the director of a prestigious institute like IIT Madras have sparked a huge debate on social media. On one hand it is being seen as support for traditional medical practices, while on the other hand many people are seeing it as promoting non-scientific statements by the head of a scientific institution.
