In his address, Kamakoti recounted an anecdote involving a sanyasi who purportedly recovered from a high fever shortly after consuming cow urine. He emphasized the broader significance of organic farming, highlighting the role of indigenous cattle in agriculture and the economy. "We can forget Bhoomi Mata (Mother Earth) if we use fertilizers. The quicker we switch to organic, natural farming, the better it will be for us," he stated.
The director's comments have been met with sharp rebuke from various quarters. Dravidar Kazhagam, a rationalist organization, labeled the remarks as "shameful," accusing Kamakoti of promoting unscientific beliefs. K. Poongundran, vice-president of Dravidar Kazhagam, contended, "There is no scientific basis for the medicinal value of cow urine. It's a liquid waste of an animal. His comment shows that the IIT-Madras director does not possess scientific temper."
Political figures have also voiced their disapproval. Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader T.K.S. Elangovan criticized the director, asserting, "Cow urine is not a medicine and Kamakoti is not a qualified doctor to say such things... If somebody has a problem, they need to consult a doctor." Elangovan further suggested that Kamakoti should be transferred from IIT and posted at a government medical college.
Congress Member of Parliament Karti P. Chidambaram expressed his concerns via social media, stating, "Peddling pseudoscience by IIT Madras Director is most unbecoming."
In response to the backlash, sources close to Kamakoti indicated that his remarks were part of a broader discourse on the threats facing indigenous cattle breeds and the importance of organic farming. They referenced scientific studies, including one published in the journal Nature, examining the bioactive properties of cow urine, to support his statements.