IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti has come into sharp public focus following a political row over his selection for the Padma Shri, with the controversy spilling onto social media and drawing responses from leading tech entrepreneur Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu.
Kamakoti, who has been chosen for the prestigious civilian honour for his contributions to education and research, said the award was a collective recognition rather than a personal one. ‘The Padma Shri award means only one thing to me, that I will put the best efforts towards Viksit Bharat 2047. This award is not possible as an individual; it’s a collective effort,’ he said in a statement.
However, the Congress’ Kerala unit triggered a fresh debate by posting a sarcastic message congratulating Kamakoti, referring to his past remarks on cow urine and describing them as ‘bleeding edge research’. The comment reignited an earlier controversy that had questioned the role of scientific leadership in public institutions.
Congratulations to V Kamakoti on receiving the honour. The nation recognises your bleeding edge research on Cow Urine at IIT Madras, taking Gomutra to world stage. https://t.co/PjZcZ3ZRHD
---Advertisement---— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) January 26, 2026
Who is V Kamakoti?
V Kamakoti has been serving as the Director of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras since 2022. A professor with expertise in microprocessor design, he is regarded as a specialist in deep technology and advanced computing systems. IIT Madras is widely considered India’s top technological institution and Kamakoti’s leadership role places him at the centre of academic research and innovation in the country. He also serves on the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), contributing his technical expertise to strategic discussions.
Cow urine remarks and political fallout
The current controversy stems from Kamakoti’s remarks made last year, when he said that ‘Gaumutra’ (cow urine) has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and could help treat several ailments, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The comments sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning why the head of a premier science institution would make such claims. Kamakoti later responded by saying that the anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of cow urine have been ‘scientifically demonstrated’.
Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu strongly defended Kamakoti, highlighting his credentials and stating that he ‘richly deserves the honour’. Vembu said he would continue to defend the IIT Madras director on scientific grounds, arguing that cow dung and cow urine have valuable microbiomes. He also criticised what he described as a ‘colonial mindset’ that dismisses indigenous knowledge until validated by Western institutions.
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.
— Sridhar Vembu (@svembu) January 26, 2026
He richly deserves the honour.
I have defended him on scientific grounds and I will do so again: cow dung and… https://t.co/F5U1A1Kh42
As the debate continues, Kamakoti remains a polarising figure, recognised officially for his academic contributions while simultaneously at the centre of a heated discourse on science, tradition and public leadership.
