The Director of IIT Madras becoming a topic of discussion in Parliament is unusual. But V Kamakoti found himself at the centre of a political debate after his remarks on cow urine drew criticism and reactions from political leaders.
The controversy gained attention after Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra referred to Kamakoti as a “gaumutra expert” during a Lok Sabha exchange.
The remark triggered a response from BJP MP Anurag Thakur, who defended Kamakoti and criticised the comment.
While the debate has focused on his comments about cow urine, Kamakoti’s career has largely been built around computer science, research and technology.
So, who is V Kamakoti, and why did his remarks become a political issue?
Who Is V Kamakoti? From IIT Professor To NEET Task Force Member
V Kamakoti is a computer scientist and the Director of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras.
His association with IIT Madras began in 2001 when he joined the institute as a faculty member in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.
Over the years, he became a professor and worked on areas including computer architecture, cybersecurity and hardware design.
Kamakoti has also been associated with the SHAKTI microprocessor project at IIT Madras, an initiative focused on developing indigenous processor technology.
In 2022, he became the Director of IIT Madras, one of India’s leading technical institutions.
Apart from his academic role, Kamakoti was appointed as a member of a high-level task force formed after concerns around the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and other competitive examinations.
The panel was set up to suggest measures to improve the examination system, strengthen security protocols and address concerns related to entrance tests.
His association with the NEET reform process brought him into wider public attention before his comments on cow urine later sparked a political debate.
What Did V Kamakoti Say About Cow Urine?
The controversy is linked to a speech where Kamakoti discussed the traditional use of cow urine and its possible properties.
During the speech, he mentioned that cow urine had antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. He also referred to an incident involving a person who allegedly recovered from fever after consuming cow urine.
His remarks led to a debate over traditional knowledge, scientific evidence and medical validation.
Questions were raised over whether research on certain properties of a substance is enough to establish it as a proven treatment for diseases.
Medical claims require scientific testing through evidence-based studies and clinical research before being accepted as established treatments.
Why Did Priyanka Gandhi Call V Kamakoti A “Gaumutra Expert”?
The issue gained fresh political attention during a Lok Sabha debate on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, which focused on concerns around exam integrity and reforms in competitive examinations.
While criticising Kamakoti’s comments, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra referred to him as a “gaumutra expert”.
The remark became the focus of a political exchange, with BJP leaders objecting to the phrase and defending Kamakoti’s academic background.
The controversy also brought attention to a larger discussion around traditional practices, scientific evidence and political criticism.
Anurag Thakur’s Response To Priyanka Gandhi’s Remark
BJP MP Anurag Thakur responded to Priyanka Gandhi’s comment and defended V Kamakoti.
He criticised the use of the phrase against the IIT Madras Director and highlighted Kamakoti’s academic credentials.
The exchange between the two leaders turned the issue into a political debate, with both sides presenting different views on science, tradition and public discourse.
What Is The Scientific Debate Around Cow Urine?
The controversy also raised questions about the difference between laboratory research and established medical treatment.
Some studies have examined compounds and properties found in cow urine. However, questions remain about whether these findings are enough to prove that cow urine can treat diseases in humans.
The debate around Kamakoti’s remarks reflects a wider discussion in India about traditional knowledge and the importance of scientific evidence.
Those defending Kamakoti argued that his comments were about traditional practices and research, rather than a recommendation to replace modern medicine.
TL;DR | News At Glance
Who is V Kamakoti?
V Kamakoti is a computer scientist and the Director of IIT Madras. He is also a part of the task force formed to suggest reforms for NEET and other competitive exams.
Why is V Kamakoti trending?
He became a political talking point after Priyanka Gandhi Vadra referred to him as a “gaumutra expert” over his comments on cow urine.
What did Kamakoti say about cow urine?
He discussed its possible antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties and mentioned a traditional use case.
Who responded to Priyanka Gandhi’s remark?
BJP MP Anurag Thakur defended Kamakoti and criticised the remark.
What is the V Kamakoti cow urine controversy about?
The debate is about traditional practices, scientific evidence and how health-related claims are evaluated.
