'Why Only Cow Urine?': IIT Madras Director's Padma Shri Sparks Clash Over 'Gomutra' Research

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social media spat over a Padma Shri honour has spiralled into a wider ideological battle over science, tradition and political intent, drawing in Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu, the Congress’ Kerala unit and IIT Madras director V Kamakoti.What began as a congratulatory post quickly turned combative, reopening an old controversy around Kamakoti’s remarks on cow urine and pushing the debate into uncomfortable territory for India’s scientific and political communities.

From Padma honour to political provocation

V Kamakoti, who has served as director of IIT Madras since 2022, was selected for the Padma Shri for his contribution to education and research. Responding to the honour, Kamakoti said, “The Padma Shri award means only one thing to me, that I will put the best efforts towards Viksit Bharat 2047. This award is not possible as an individual; it's a collective effort.”The Congress’ Kerala unit, however, chose to frame the award through the lens of controversy. In a sharply worded post on X, it said, “Congratulations to V Kamakoti on receiving the honour. The nation recognises your bleeding edge research on Cow Urine at IIT Madras, taking Gomutra to world stage.”The remark referred to Kamakoti’s statements last year claiming that ‘Gaumutra’, or cow urine, has “anti-bacterial” and “anti-fungal” properties and could help treat illnesses such as IBS. The comments had triggered criticism at the time, with detractors questioning whether such claims aligned with the scientific temperament expected of a premier institute’s director. Kamakoti had defended himself then, saying the “anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties of cow urine have been scientifically demonstrated”.

Sridhar Vembu enters the fray

Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu responded forcefully to the Kerala Congress post, defending Kamakoti’s credentials and record. “Professor Kamakoti works in deep tech: micro-processor design. He is the Director of IIT-Madras, the best technological institution in India. He serves in the NSAB. He richly deserves the honour,” Vembu wrote.He went further, saying he would continue to defend the IIT Madras director on scientific grounds. “I have defended him on scientific grounds and I will do so again: cow dung and cow urine have excellent microbiome that could be valuable for humans.”Vembu also accused critics of intellectual prejudice. “It is the slavish colonial mindset that thinks these are not scientific propositions worthy of investigation. Some day, when Harvard or MIT publish a study on this, these enslaved minds would worship that as the gospel truth,” he added.

Congress escalates with allegations and a challenge

The Congress’ Kerala unit responded with a longer rebuttal, questioning both the outcomes and integrity of cow dung and cow urine research projects. “Research is not about quoting random Western research papers out of context. What is the outcome of all this research on cow dung and urine?” it asked, also questioning why similar scrutiny was not applied to other animal or human excreta.The party cited a Madhya Pradesh government funded Panchagavya cancer research project, alleging financial irregularities. It claimed that an investigation found Rs 1.92 Cr spent on buying cow dung and urine despite actual costs being far lower, with remaining funds allegedly used for cars, fuel and travel. “What is the outcome of the research?” the post asked, warning that more scandals could surface.The Congress ended with a direct dare to Vembu. “Since you are a billionaire who believes in the magical benefits of cow urine, why doesn't your company invest in proper cow urine and cow dung research?” it said, adding, “Why don't you take up this challenge and put the money where your mouth is?”