Synopsis
Tamil Nadu CPI-M state secretary P. Shanmugham has called for the removal of IIT-Madras Director V. Kamakoti over his controversial remarks regarding the medicinal properties of cow urine. Shanmugham argues that such statements could promote unscientific beliefs in society, undermining the credibility of scientific progress.Key Takeaways
- P. Shanmugham demands Kamakoti's removal.
- Kamakoti's remarks could fuel superstition.
- Research claims cow urine is harmful.
- Backlash from various political leaders.
- BJP supports Kamakoti's freedom to express.
Chennai, Jan 20 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu CPI-M state secretary, P. Shanmugham, has called on the Union Education Ministry to remove V. Kamakoti, the Director of IIT-Madras, due to his statements endorsing the alleged medicinal properties of cow urine (gaumutra).
Shanmugham condemned Kamakoti’s remarks, asserting that they could encourage unscientific beliefs within society. He cautioned that such declarations from the leader of a prominent technical institution might erode confidence in scientific progress and promote superstition.
He further stated, “The conduct and declarations of Kamakoti increasingly blur the lines between an IIT director and an RSS advocate.”
Shanmugham also cited research from the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, which reportedly indicates that cow urine is detrimental to health.
He demanded the removal of Kamakoti from his directorial position and called for the retraction of his academic qualifications, including his doctorate.
Additionally, Shanmugham accused Kamakoti of leveraging his position at IIT-Madras to “propagate RSS ideology,” labeling it a threat to Tamil Nadu's democratic fabric.
CPI state secretary R. Mutharasan also criticized Kamakoti’s comments, branding them as irresponsible.
“In this era of remarkable scientific advancements in medicine, it is intolerable for an individual in Kamakoti’s role to endorse unverified assertions. The medicinal effects of cow urine remain scientifically unverified,” he remarked.
The controversy erupted after Kamakoti, during a public address on Pongal Day, extolled the medicinal value of cow urine.
He referenced a Hindu sanyasi who allegedly recovered from a severe fever after consuming it.
Kamakoti claimed, “Cow urine possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is an effective remedy for digestive problems, IBS, and other ailments.”
His comments triggered widespread backlash in the state, with Congress leader Karti Chidambaram labeling them as “spreading pseudoscience” and describing them as “extremely inappropriate” on the social media platform X.
DMK spokesperson T.S. Elangovan suggested that Kamakoti should be transferred to a medical institution, stating, “The Centre should reassign him to AIIMS instead of IIT.”
In contrast, BJP state president K. Annamalai defended Kamakoti, asserting, “It is regrettable that a distinguished academic and specialist in AI and quantum computing faces criticism for adhering to his dharma. Everyone is entitled to practice their religion. I urge detractors to honor the integrity of institutions and halt the protests.”
