IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti Faces Backlash for Claiming Gomutra's Medicinal Value

IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti praised the medicinal value of cow urine (gomutra). He shared his thoughts about the significance of indigenous cows in agriculture and organic farming by saying “Go samrakshana” (protect cows).

Natural Farming and Biogas for a Healthier World

The remarks, made during an event in Chennai, went viral on social media, drawing both praise and criticism from various political leaders and organizations. He argued that depending on fertilizers to improve productivity harms the earth and humans. Natural farming is the best solution for a healthy life and world.

Kamakoti also discussed the potential of biogas production from cow waste. Projects like the Regenerative Agriculture Stack Architecture at IIT Madras could help advance organic farming. The program includes automation in goshala (cow shelter) operations and the production of biogas and Panchagavyam, an organic product made from cow by-products.

Cows: From Colonial Impact to Cultural Heritage

He continued his speech with a historical reference, to how the British led by Thomas Babington Macaulay weakened India's economy by eliminating Indigenous cows and increasing the country’s reliance on the colonial system. The slaughterhouses during the British era would butcher about 30,000 cows daily.

A 2019 study published in Nature explored the bioactive properties of gomutra and its possible medicinal uses. The director's speech also connected with Maatu Pongal, a festival in Tamil Nadu dedicated to cows and bulls, recognizing their importance in agriculture. The event is celebrated on the second day of the Tamil month Thai with prayers and celebrations to thank and honor its work in agriculture.

Reference:

1. Research papers validate cow urine’s ‘anti-infective’ properties: IIT-Madras Director - (https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/research-papers-validate-cow-urines-anti-infective-properties-iit-madras-director/article69120154.ece)

Source-Medindia