Hotmail co-founder Sabeer Bhatia recently expressed doubts about the credibility of elite educational institutions after a video of IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti went viral. In the footage, Kamakoti claimed that cow urine has “anti-bacterial, anti-fungal” properties and aids digestion.
Concerns Over Scientific Credibility
Bhatia voiced his shock on social media platform X, questioning how public trust could be maintained when leaders of prestigious institutions promote such views. His remarks ignited a debate online, with some users supporting his concerns about scientific accuracy, while others defended Kamakoti’s statements.
The Viral Video and Anecdotal Evidence
In the video, Kamakoti shared a story about an ascetic who reportedly cured his fever by drinking cow urine. He described how the sanyasi said “Gomutran pinami” before drinking the urine, and the fever subsided within 15 minutes. Kamakoti insisted that the practice has scientific support.
Criticism from Experts and Political Leaders
Despite Kamakoti’s claims, many critics argue that such statements from a leading academic figure can mislead the public without clear medical evidence. His remarks, made during the ‘Go Samrakshana Sala’ event on January 15, also touched upon organic farming and the importance of indigenous cows for agriculture and the economy. The comments faced sharp backlash from political leaders soon after.
