IIT Madras Director's remark on cow urine's medicinal value sparks controversy
Criticised for spreading pseudoscience
Chennai: IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti has stirred debate by praising the medicinal properties of cow urine during an event at a 'Go Samrakshana Sala' on Maatu Pongal in Chennai. Kamakoti claimed cow urine possesses anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and digestive benefits, citing its potential to treat ailments like Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
In a viral video, Kamakoti narrated an anecdote of an ascetic who reportedly cured a fever by consuming cow urine. His statements were made in the context of advocating for organic farming and the protection of indigenous cattle breeds.
The remarks have drawn criticism from political leaders and rationalist groups. DMK leader TKS Elangovan accused the central government of promoting pseudoscience, while Congress MP Karti Chidambaram called the comments unbecoming of an academician. Dravidar Kazhagam leader Kali Poongundran referred to studies suggesting cow urine's harmful effects, urging the public not to believe such claims.
However, Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai defended Kamakoti, stating his remarks were personal and not intended as a directive. Sources close to Kamakoti clarified that his comments were rooted in his personal experiences as an organic farmer.
At the event, Kamakoti also criticised the British colonial education system, alleging it undermined indigenous cattle breeds and farming practices. Highlighting the role of native cows in organic farming, he emphasised the environmental, nutritional, and economic benefits of protecting them.
Kamakoti, who has been the director of IIT Madras since January 2022, is a recipient of the DRDO Academy Excellence Award for his contributions to scientific research and technology development.
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Four booked for tying 18-year-old to tree, beating him up in UP's Pratapgarh
Pratapgarh (UP) (PTI): Four people were booked here for the abduction and assault of a man who they allegedly tied to a tree and beat up, police said on Wednesday.
The incident, a video of which has gone viral, took place on Tuesday afternoon under the Kunda police station limits.
The FIR was registered on Wednesday evening based on a complaint from the victim's father.
According to Keshav Prasad Yadav, a resident of Mauli village, some people called his 18-year-old son Nikhil Yadav on the phone and asked him to come out of his house around 2.30 pm on Tuesday.
As he reached outside the village as instructed, the accused allegedly forced him into a car and took him towards the Tinpedwa forest area, where they tied him to a tree and assaulted, the complainant said.
The attackers also recorded a video of the incident and circulated it on social media. The purported video shows the men thrashing Nikhil one after another, while one of them is assumed to have recorded the act.
Kunda Station House Officer Manoj Pandey confirmed the incident and said efforts are underway to identify and arrest all the accused.
Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has shared the video on social media, describing the incident as reflective of a "dominant mindset" against the PDA (Pichda or Backward, Dalit, and Alpasankhyak or Minority), and demanded strict action against the accused.
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