Cow urine ‘anti-bacterial’, helps digestion: IIT director

Dubai: V. Kamakoti, Director of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT-Madras), has sparked criticism by claiming that cow urine can be used for treating infections as it has ‘anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties’ and aids digestion.

He was speaking at an event at a cow shelter for a Tamil festival celebrating cattle.

The video of Kamakoti speaking on the topic has gone viral. In the clip, he also narrated an anecdote of an ascetic who said he recovered from high fever 15 minutes after drinking cow urine.

He highlighted its use in managing conditions like Irritable Bowel Disease.

Kamakoti also spoke about the importance of organic farming, emphasising the role of indigenous cattle in agriculture.

The comments on cow urine sparked criticism from various political and social groups.

“There is no scientific basis for the medical value of cow urine. It is the liquid waste of an animal. His comment shows that the IIT-Madras director does not possess scientific temper,” said K. Poongundran, vice-president of Dravidar Kazhagam.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader TKS Elangovan criticised Kamakoti’s statement, and accused the central government of attempting to ‘spoil’ education.

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram also condemned the remarks, tweeting: “Peddling pseudoscience by @iitmadras Director is most unbecoming @IMAIndiaOrg”.

The Tamil Nadu BJP chief K. Annamalai defended Kamakoti’s right to express his personal views and accused critics of politicising the issue.

Kamakoti, who became IIT Director in January 2022, has received numerous awards, including the DRDO Academy Excellence Award in 2013 for contributions to scientific research and technology development.