New Delhi: Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu on Monday came out in strong defence of V Kamakoti, Director of Indian Institute of Technology Madras, after the Congress took a swipe at his Padma Shri award over remarks related to cow urine.
“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,” Vembu wrote on X.
‘Colonial mindset’ charge
Addressing the criticism head-on, Vembu argued that research into traditional substances should not be dismissed as unscientific.
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.
I have defended him on scientific grounds and I will do so again: cow dung and… https://t.co/F5U1A1Kh42
— Sridhar Vembu (@svembu) January 26, 2026
“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,” he added.
Congress jibe sparks row
The remarks came after the Indian National Congress posted a sarcastic message on X following the Padma Shri announcement.
“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,” the party wrote, triggering sharp reactions online.
Kamakoti’s response to Padma Shri honour
Kamakoti, reacting to being conferred the Padma Shri, described the award as a collective achievement rather than a personal one and linked it to national goals.
“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,” he said.