VERGHESE KURIEN
Verghese Kurien, lovingly remembered as the ‘Milkman of India’, was a visionary who transformed the dairy sector of the nation. Born on November 26, 1921, in Calicut (now Kozhikode) in Kerala, Kurien grew up in a Christian family where his father served as a civil surgeon. A bright student from the beginning, he completed his graduation in science from Loyola College, Chennai, and later pursued engineering from the prestigious Guindy College of Engineering.
Journey of Education and Early Career: After completing his engineering degree, Kurien joined the Tata Steel Technical Institute in Jamshedpur. His quest for higher knowledge took him to the Michigan State University (USA) where he earned a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1948. Returning to India in 1949, he was appointed as an officer in a government dairy unit in Anand, Gujarat—a posting that would eventually change the fate of India’s milk sector.
Meeting Tribhuvandas Patel – A Turning Point: In Anand, Kurien met Tribhuvandas Patel, who had established the Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd. Kurien’s technical expertise, combined with Patel’s strong cooperative leadership, set the stage for a historic transformation. Together, they laid the foundation of AMUL, the dairy cooperative that would become the heart of India’s White Revolution.
Their efforts empowered lakhs of farmers, eliminated middlemen, ensured fair prices, and introduced modern dairy technology. AMUL became a model not only for India but for the entire world.
The White Revolution and Its National Impact: Verghese Kurien’s remarkable success in Anand inspired the Government of India to replicate this cooperative model nationwide. In 1965, the government established the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), appointing him as its first Chairman. His leadership helped expand the cooperative movement across the country, resulting in massive increases in milk production.
In 1979, Kurien founded the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) to strengthen cooperative leadership and professional management in rural development.
He also served as Chairman of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF)—the organisation that markets AMUL products—until 2006.
Do You Know?
● Verghese Kurien was not a dairy specialist—he was a mechanical engineer, yet he reshaped India’s entire dairy industry.
● The name “AMUL” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Amulya”, meaning precious or priceless.
● The iconic Amul girl first appeared in 1966 and is one of the longest-running advertising mascots in the world.
● Kurien strongly believed that “India’s progress lies in the partnership between rural wisdom and professional skill.”
● Operation Flood, led by Kurien, became the largest dairy development programme in the world.
● Kurien continued guiding dairy cooperatives even in his eighties, demonstrating his lifelong dedication.
A Legacy That Transformed India: Kurien’s tireless efforts changed India from a milk-deficient nation in the 1960s to one of the world’s largest milk producers. The results were extraordinary:
● Milk production increased from 20 million tonnes (1960s) to 122 million tonnes (2011).
● Millions of rural farmers gained stable income.
● India became self-sufficient in milk and dairy products.
Kurien passed away on September 9, 2012, in Anand, Gujarat, leaving behind a legacy that continues to nourish the nation.
Awards and Honours:
For his monumental contributions, Kurien received numerous prestigious awards:
● Ramon Magsaysay Award (1963) – shared with Tribhuvandas Patel
● World Food Prize (1989)
● Padma Shri
● Padma Bhushan
● Padma Vibhushan (1999)
His Inspirational Autobiography: Kurien narrated his life journey and the making of the White Revolution in his inspiring autobiography, “I Too Had a Dream”, which continues to motivate countless readers.
