Doctor challenges IIT-M chief to ‘gomutra’ debate

The doctor said consumption of cow urine or dung could lead to diseases like typhoid, E.coli infections and tapeworm infestations and added that DASE would stage protests if Kamakoti is not removed from his position.

Dr GR Ravindranath, general secretary of the Doctors’ Association for Social Equality, addressing the media at Chennai Press Club  Photo | Ashwin Prasath

CHENNAI: General secretary of the Doctors’ Association for Social Equality (DASE) GR Ravindranath on Tuesday strongly criticised IIT-Madras Director V Kamakoti, accusing him of endangering public health with his recent remarks praising the alleged medicinal properties of gomutra (cow urine) and cow dung.

Ravindranath blamed Kamakoti for misusing his position to promote Hindutva ideology and demanded his removal from the post. He also challenged the IIT-M director for a public debate over the latter’s “unscientific claims.”

“At a time when diseases like dengue, swine flu and Covid-19 are prevalent, what happens if people take his advice and drink cow urine instead of consulting a doctor?” Ravindranath asked.

The doctor said consumption of cow urine or dung can lead to diseases like typhoid, E.coli infections and tapeworm infestations and added that DASE would stage protests if Kamakoti is not removed from his position.

Ravindranath also cited instances of BJP MPs making similar claims about the health benefits of cow urine and dung, while “hypocritically” relying on allopathy for treating themselves medically.

While former Governor of Telangana and BJP leader Tamilisai Soundarajan, who is also a doctor by profession, backed the IIT-M director, state BJP president Annamalai argued that Kamakoti’s remarks were made to a private audience. Annamalai added said he would have responded differently had Kamakoti made those remarks in his capacity as the institute’s director. “Since it is his personal view, it may be acceptable to some and unacceptable to others,” he said.

Cow urine is nectar in Ayurveda: Tamilisai

Chennai: Former Telangana governor Tamilisai Soundararajan on Tuesday said that though she was an allopathic doctor, in Ayurveda, cow urine is regarded as nectar and is used to treat 80 diseases.

There is a trend to oppose anything from the BJP or the Indian culture, she said, adding that the director of IIT would not have any ulterior motive. Panchayakavyam (in which cow urine is an ingredient) is available on Amazon, she said. People of Myanmar and Africa use cow urine as medicine, she added.