Father of White Revolution, Who is He?

Throughout history, there are exceptional individuals whose innovations transform entire sectors and leave an enduring mark on society. Verghese Kurien, widely recognized as the “Father of the White Revolution,” stands as an evident visionary whose ground-breaking work in India’s dairy industry brought about a radical shift in milk production, ultimately improving the lives of countless individuals.

Early Life and Education

Birth date: 26^th November 1921

Birth place: Kozhikode, Kerala.

Dr. Verghese Kurien attended Loyala College in Chennai and graduated in Physics in 1940. Later, he pursued mechanical engineering at the College of Engineering, Guindy. His thirst for knowledge led him to Michigan State University in the United States, where he earned a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering in 1948.

A Visionary Impact

Verghese Kurien’s pioneering work caught the attention of then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. In 1965, Shastri established the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to extend the cooperative model across the nation. This was a result of Kurien’s ground-breaking efforts to transform dairy farming.

The Amul Journey and White Revolution

Kurien’s life took a transformative turn when he joined a creamery in Gujarat in 1949. There, he met Tribhuvandas Patel, who is determined to unite farmers into a cooperative movement against exploitation. Dr. Verghese with Tribhuvandas Patel co-founded a cooperative named the Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producer’s Union Limited, known as Amul Dairy. It played a crucial role in India’s White Revolution, turning the country from a milk-deficient nation into one of the largest milk producers globally.

Revolutionizing the Dairy Industry

Kurien’s innovative thinking led to the creation of milk powder and condensed milk from buffalo milk, transforming the Indian dairy sector. The Amul Dairy’s success inspired other regions in Gujarat to replicate the model, marking a significant achievement in the nation’s dairy evolution.

Quality of Leadership

Verghese Kurien’s influence extended beyond the dairy farms. In 1979, he founded the Institute of Rural Management in Anand to nurture managers for cooperatives. His dedication led to the establishment of companies under his leadership and his work influenced the creation of NDDB.

Awards and Honor presented to Father of White Revolution

Honors and achievements presented to Father of White Revolution, Dr. Verghese Kurien are as follows:

An Inspiring Legacy

Verghese Kurien’s legacy lives on through many avenues. His support paved the path for the iconic “Amul girl” ad campaign and even inspired TV series “Surabhi”. His book “I Too Had A Dream” narrates the empowering journey of farmers and the growth of milk cooperatives in India.

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