Zoho Founder Defends IIT Director Amidst 'Gomutra' Controversy: A Scientific Debate

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{ "title": "Zoho Founder Defends IIT Director Amidst 'Gomutra' Controversy: A Scientific Debate", "article": Sridhar Vembu, the founder of Zoho, has taken a strong stance in defense of IIT-Madras director V Kamakoti, who recently received the Padma Shri award. The tech entrepreneur's response came after the Congress party's Kerala unit made a sarcastic comment on social media about Kamakoti's research on cow urine. The Congress party had posted a congratulatory message with a hint of sarcasm, referencing Kamakoti's claim that cow urine has "anti-bacterial" and "anti-fungal" properties. The party also shared a video of Kamakoti speaking about the significance of the Padma Shri award, which he said would inspire him to work towards a "developed India." Kamakoti's remarks were made in reference to a study published in the scientific journal Nature in 2021. The study, which was conducted by scientists in the United States, explored the peptide profiling in cow urine and its potential bioactivities. While Kamakoti had not yet reacted to the Congress's post, Vembu jumped to his defense, arguing that cow dung and urine have excellent microbiome that could be valuable for humans. Vembu also criticized what he called a "slavish colonial mindset" that dismisses research on cow urine and dung as unscientific. He suggested that a study published by a prestigious Western university, such as Harvard or MIT, would be treated as gospel truth. However, the Congress party has questioned the outcome of Kamakoti's research on cow urine and dung. They have asked why the focus is limited to cow urine, and why similar research is not being conducted on the excreta of other animals, such as buffaloes, goats, or humans. The controversy has also brought up a scandal surrounding a research project on Panchagavya, a traditional mixture made from cow dung, cow urine, milk, curd, and ghee, for the treatment of cancer. The Congress party has challenged Vembu to invest in proper research on cow urine and dung, and to put his money where his mouth is. The debate highlights the tension between scientific skepticism and the potential benefits of unconventional research. While Vembu has defended Kamakoti's work, the Congress party has raised questions about the scientific validity and practical applications of the research."