A social media post by IIT Roorkee on Saturday has ignited a fierce debate online, following the institute's announcement of research into the antiviral potential of Gau Mutra Ark, an Ayurvedic cow urine distillate. The study, led by Professor Shailly Tomar and her team from the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, identified bioactive compounds in the distillate that demonstrated antiviral activity against the Chikungunya virus under laboratory conditions.
Key Findings of the Study
According to the institute, the distillate reduced viral load by more than 90 percent, while an optimized natural compound-based formulation achieved up to 99.85 percent reduction in lab tests. The findings were published in ACS Agricultural Science & Technology, with IIT Roorkee describing the work as an effort to explore Ayurveda-inspired antiviral therapeutics through modern biotechnology.
Social Media Reactions
The post reopened one of India's most persistent fault lines: traditional practices versus scientific research. Supporters hailed the study as proof that knowledge rooted in Indian traditions deserves scientific examination rather than outright dismissal. One user called the findings a "tight slap to leftists and anti-Hindus," thanking the researchers for pursuing the work.
Critics, however, were quick to respond. "We are a global laughing stock because of these people," one user wrote, attracting significant engagement. "Scientific institutions should follow evidence, not ideology," another commented. Many questioned whether premier institutes should spend time on projects perceived as politically charged, arguing that research funds would be better allocated to diseases like cancer and other major health challenges.
Government Initiative Background
The IIT Roorkee study arrives against the backdrop of the Centre's SUTRA-PIC program (Scientific Utilisation Through Research Augmentation–Prime Products from Indigenous Cows). Launched by the Department of Science and Technology in 2020 with an approved budget of Rs 98 crore, the initiative supports research on indigenous cows and cow-based products across health, agriculture, and nutrition. Over the years, researchers at various institutions, including IITs, have explored subjects ranging from cow dung-based electrodes and water purification technologies to the chemical profiling of cow urine and its potential industrial applications.
