IIT Madras director V. Kamakoti has come under fire after a video of his claims that cow urine is “anti-bacterial” and good for digestion spread like wildfire on social media. Speaking at a recent event, Kamakoti endorsed the use of cow urine for its alleged medicinal properties, drawing sharp criticism from political and social groups.
In the video, Kamakoti said that the traditional practices related to cow urine are in tune with scientific principles and that further research should be done to establish its benefits. However, his remarks soon triggered a heated debate on social media, with critics accusing him of promoting pseudoscience and undermining the credibility of IITs as premier institutions for scientific research.
Political leaders and social activists have openly criticized the statements by saying that these are not at all suitable words from the head of a prime academic institution. Many said it was dangerous because it would allow the unproved claims to flourish under the pretext of science. The remarks also brought into discussion the larger question of how age-old beliefs go along with scientific thinking in the country.
Clarifying, Kamakoti said these are part of continuing research which would not come down to brushing aside modern medication, but, yet the brouhaha doesn’t quiet. Experts cry frowns; such claims needed better science. Thus goes the drama that underlies the scientific battle between cultural and evidence-backed proof. A glimpse of controversies-
