'Cow Urine Research': Congress Mocks IIT Head Over Padma Shri, Zoho Founder Defends Honour

Last Updated:January 27, 2026, 11:16 IST

Congress Kerala’s sarcastic post on IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti’s Padma Shri triggered a sharp X exchange with Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu, who defended the honour.

A file photo of IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti (PTI)

A political and social media storm has erupted over the Padma Shri conferred on IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti, after the Congress mocked his past remarks on cow urine, prompting a sharp counter from Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu and drawing in the BJP, which accused the opposition of politicising national honours.

The controversy unfolded after the Congress Kerala unit posted a message on X saying, “Congratulations to V Kamakoti on receiving the honour. The nation recognises your bleeding-edge research on Cow Urine at IIT Madras, taking Gomutra to the world stage."

The post referred to comments Kamakoti had made at a public event last year while discussing indigenous knowledge systems and organic farming, where he spoke about the purported medicinal benefits of cow urine, remarks that had earlier triggered criticism from opposition leaders and rationalist groups.

Vembu swiftly hit back on X, defending the IIT Madras director and underlining his credentials in advanced technology. “Professor Kamakoti works in deep tech: micro-processor design. He is the Director of IIT-Madras, the best technological institution in India. He serves in the NSAB. He richly deserves the honour," he wrote.

He went on to add, “I have defended him on scientific grounds and I will do so again: cow dung and cow urine have excellent microbiome that could be valuable for humans."

“It is the slavish colonial mindset that thinks these are not scientific propositions worthy of investigation. Some day, when Harvard or MIT publish a study on this, these enslaved minds would worship that as the gospel truth."

The Congress’ Kerala unit responded with a lengthy counter-post, challenging both the premise and outcomes of such research.

Addressing Vembu, it wrote, “Research is not about quoting random Western research papers out of context. What is the outcome of all this research on cow dung and urine? And why are we limited only to cow dung? What about the excreta of buffaloes, goats, or even humans?"

Citing a Madhya Pradesh government-funded Panchagavya project, the post alleged, “An investigation by Additional Collector Raghuvar Maravi exposed that a whopping Rs 1.92 Cr was spent on buying cow dung and urine for the research, whereas the actual cost is around Rs 15-20 lakhs. What is the outcome of the research? NULL Exception!"

It further added, “There is no doubt that we need cancer research. But why do you insist that it is only cow dung or cow urine that can cure cancer? Since you are a billionaire who believes in the magical benefits of cow urine, why doesn’t your company invest in proper cow urine and cow dung research?  put the money where your mouth is?"

Amid the escalating exchange, Kamakoti himself struck a restrained tone after the announcement of his Padma Shri.

Talking to reporters, he said, “The Padma Shri award means only thing to me, that I will put all the best efforts towards Viksit Bharat 2047. This award is not possible as an individual, it’s a collective effort. I dedicate this award to all who contributed. It is because of them I am getting this award."

The BJP, meanwhile, accused the Congress of turning the honours into a political battleground.

BJP leader Gourav Vallabh told IANS that the present government recognises people who genuinely deserve national recognition.

“As I said, rising above political ideology, political interests, and personal gains, those who have shown dedication towards the people, society, the country, and the state are being honoured with Padma awards. Whether it is entertainment or politics, it is wrong to politicise this," he said.

Vallabh further alleged, “Earlier, TV anchors who sat from morning to evening praising the UPA government used to receive Padma Bhushan awards. Those whose recommendations came through the Gandhi family would get Padma awards."

He questioned the Congress’s objections, asking, “Does Congress not like that former Kerala Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan, Rohit Sharma, or Shibu Soren are being honoured. These decisions are taken without partiality, not depending on who is praising the government in power, unlike the UPA times."

The broader Padma awards list for 2026, announced by the government, includes 131 recipients across categories.

The announcement highlighted Tamil Nadu’s strong presence, with Padma Bhushan honours for medical professional Kalipatti Ramasamy Palanisamy and social worker SKM Maeilanandhan, and Padma Shri awards spanning arts, medicine, science and public service, including Kamakoti, recognised for advancing scientific knowledge and technical education.

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