IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti has been awarded the Padma Shri in the science and engineering category for his contribution to computer architecture research and national security. 

Reacting to the honour, Kamakoti said the award had strengthened his resolve to contribute to the country’s progress. In a video message released late Sunday evening, he said, “The Padma Shri Award means only one thing to me. I will put all my best efforts towards Viksit Bharat 2047.”

Row over Kamakoti’s remarks on “medicinal value” of cow urine

IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti sparked controversy after praising the “medicinal value” of cow urine (gaumutra), claiming it could help treat infections and has “anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties”, along with digestive benefits. In a video that later went viral, Kamakoti shared an anecdote from the life of an ascetic, saying the sanyasi cured himself of a high fever by consuming cow urine. “An ascetic was having high fever and was thinking of calling a doctor. I forgot the sanyasi’s name, but he said ‘Gomuthran pinami’. He then immediately drank cow urine and in 15 minutes, his fever subsided,” Kamakoti said.

He further stated that ‘gomiyam’ (cow urine/gaumutra) has “anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and digestive properties”, and highlighted its “medicinal value” in treating conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Kamakoti made these remarks while speaking at an event at a ‘Go Samrakshana Sala’ on the occasion of Maatu Pongal on January 15 in Chennai. He linked his comments to the need for organic farming and stressed the importance of indigenous cows in agriculture and the overall economy.

Reacting sharply, DMK leader TKS Elangovan criticised Kamakoti and alleged that the central government’s intention is to “spoil” education in the country.

Congress leader Karti Chidambaram also took aim at the IIT Madras director, saying, “Peddling pseudoscience by @iitmadras Director is most unbecoming @IMAIndiaOrg.”

Who is V Kamakoti? 

V Kamakoti, also known as Kamakoti Veezhinathan, is a seasoned computer science expert and academic leader with decades of experience in teaching, research and building institutions. He currently serves as the Director of IIT Madras and is best known for his work in computer architecture, information security and VLSI design. Over the years, he has also played an active role in several important national technology and security initiatives.

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Kamakoti Veezhinathan completed his M.S. and PhD in Computer Science and Engineering from IIT Madras. He joined the institute as a faculty member in 2001 and took charge as Director in January 2022. He is a member of the National Security Advisory Board and has earlier served as Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence Task Force set up by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. He is also part of the Technology committees of the National Stock Exchange and the Reserve Bank of India.

V Kamakoti’s areas of expertise 

Kamakoti’s core areas of work include Computer Architecture, Information Security and VLSI Design. At IIT Madras, he leads the Microprocessor Development Program and the Information Security Education and Awareness Program, both funded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. He has also been appointed as a member of the institute body of AIIMS in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.

Under his leadership, IIT Madras has continued its strong performance in national rankings. As of 2025, the institute has ranked number one in the engineering category for the 10th straight year in NIRF 2025, and number one overall for the seventh consecutive year.

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Apart from his administrative role, Kamakoti has held several key responsibilities within IIT Madras, including Chairman of JEE and Associate Dean for Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research. He has published more than 150 research papers in international journals and conferences, guided several PhD and Master’s students, and led close to 50 projects for industry and government research organisations.

Awards received by V Kamakoti earlier

Dr Kamakoti has received multiple honours over the years, including the DRDO Academic Excellence Award, Indian Electronics and Semiconductor Association Techno Visionary Award, Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellowship, ACCS Lifetime Achievement Award, IBM Faculty Award, and the VASVIK Industrial Research Award.