Biography of Verghese Kurien: Indian Dairy Engineer and Social Entrepreneur
Verghese Kurien: Architect of India's White Revolution
Early Education and Career Beginnings
Verghese Kurien, born on November 26, 1921, was a pioneering
dairy engineer and social entrepreneur in India. He graduated in physics from
the University of Madras in 1940 and furthered his education with a master's
degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University in 1947. These
academic achievements laid the foundation for his transformative career in
dairy farming and cooperative management.
Verghese Kurien: The Early Years and Academic Pursuits
Birth and Early Education
Verghese Kurien was born on November 26, 1921, in Calicut,
Madras Presidency, British India (now Kozhikode, Kerala, India), into a
Malayali Syrian Christian family. His father served as a government civil
surgeon, and Kurien received his early education at Diamond Jubilee Higher
Secondary School in Gobichettipalayam, where his father worked at the
government hospital.
Educational Journey
Kurien pursued his higher education with a passion for
engineering. He graduated in physics from Loyola College in 1940 and later
earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the College of
Engineering, Guindy, affiliated with the University of Madras, in 1943.
Initially aiming to join the Indian army as an engineer, he began his career at
the Tata Steel Technical Institute in Jamshedpur.
Specialization in Dairy Engineering
Kurien's career trajectory shifted when he applied for a
scholarship from the Government of India. Initially intended for metallurgical
engineering, he received a scholarship to study dairy engineering instead. He
underwent training at the Imperial Institute of Animal Husbandry in Bangalore
before furthering his studies in the United States on a government scholarship.
Master's Degree and Career Choices
In 1948, Verghese Kurien graduated with a master's degree in
mechanical engineering from Michigan State University. Despite the
scholarship's intended focus on dairy engineering, Kurien chose to specialize
in metallurgical and nuclear engineering, foreseeing their greater utility for
India's imminent independence and his personal aspirations.
Verghese Kurien: Architect of India's White Revolution
Early Beginnings and Cooperative Development
Verghese Kurien's journey began in 1949 when the Indian government
sent him to Anand, then in Bombay province (now Gujarat), to assist
Tribhuvandas Patel at the experimental creamery. Initially reluctant, Kurien
stayed on to support Patel's initiative in organizing local dairy farmers
against exploitative practices by traders and agents.
Founding Amul and the Cooperative Movement
In 1949, Verghese Kurien was tasked by the Government of
India to manage an experimental creamery at Anand. Here, he established the
Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers' Union in 1950, which eventually
evolved into the iconic Amul brand. Kurien's visionary leadership organized
dairy farmers into cooperatives, empowering them to directly link with
consumers. This cooperative model proved revolutionary by giving farmers
ownership over the procurement, processing, and marketing of milk and dairy products.
Formation of Amul and Innovations
Under Kurien's leadership, the Kaira District Cooperative
Milk Producers' Union Limited (KDCMPUL) evolved into Amul. He decentralized
milk collection, empowering farmers and significantly increasing daily
procurement from 200 to 20,000 liters by 1952. Kurien's vision included
economic self-interest to unite villagers and resolve caste and class
conflicts, expanding cooperative dairying across neighboring districts.
Challenges and Triumphs
During a visit to Nestle in Switzerland in 1956, Kurien
advocated for local production of condensed milk using buffalo milk. His
efforts led to successful indigenous production, challenging multinational
imports. Amidst challenges like the Sino-Indian War in 1962, Kurien redirected
production to support the Indian armed forces and advocated for policy changes benefiting
domestic production.
National and International Impact
Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri's endorsement in 1965
spurred Kurien to replicate the Anand model nationwide. The National Dairy
Development Board (NDDB) was founded under Kurien's leadership, promoting dairy
cooperatives across India through "Operation Flood". This initiative
transformed India into the world's largest milk producer, benefiting millions of
farmers and consumers alike.
Biography of Verghese Kurien: Indian dairy engineer and social entrepreneur/milk production in India/Milk producer/Milk Powder/Amul Milk/Success story
Legacy and Recognition
Verghese Kurien's contributions extended beyond India,
negotiating with international organizations like FAO, UNICEF, and the World
Bank. He established the Institute of Rural Management at Anand and
consolidated dairy cooperatives under the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing
Federation (GCMMF), strengthening the Amul brand nationally and globally.
Consolidating India's Dairy Revolution
In the final phase of Operation Flood from 1985 to 1996, Dr.
Verghese Kurien focused on ensuring the sustainability and autonomy of dairy
cooperatives in India. His efforts included expanding infrastructure for
increased milk procurement and production, establishing dairy processing
facilities, and enhancing marketing strategies. Despite the liberalization of India's
economy in 1991, Kurien vehemently opposed multinational companies entering the
dairy sector, safeguarding the cooperative model he had pioneered.
Becoming a Global Dairy Leader
By 1998, India emerged as the world's largest milk producer,
surpassing the United States, and contributed significantly to global milk
output by 2010–11. Kurien's leadership and vision had transformed India's dairy
industry into a global powerhouse, showcasing the potential of cooperative farming
models on a massive scale.
Ensuring Continuity and Independence
In 1998, Kurien played a pivotal role in appointing Amrita
Patel as his successor at the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), ensuring
the organization's autonomy. However, disagreements later arose between them
regarding the direction of Amul, particularly on production targets versus
maintaining cooperative integrity. Kurien eventually resigned from the Gujarat
Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) chairmanship in 2006 due to lack
of support from the governing board.
Expanding Cooperative Models
Beyond dairy, Kurien extended the cooperative model to other
agricultural sectors, including fruits, vegetables, oilseeds, and edible oils.
Initiatives like the Oilseeds Growers' Cooperative Project (OGCP) under
"Operation Golden Flow" exemplified his commitment to empowering
farmers and fostering agricultural self-sufficiency.
International Influence and Legacy
Kurien's influence transcended borders; he was sought after
by countries like the Soviet Union, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines to
replicate India's successful cooperative model. His efforts in international
cooperation and development earned him recognition and respect globally.
Final Years and Legacy
Dr. Verghese Kurien passed away in 2012 at the age of 90,
leaving behind a profound legacy in India's agricultural history. His
pioneering work in cooperative farming not only transformed the dairy sector
but also set a precedent for sustainable agricultural development worldwide.
Honors and Awards
Throughout his illustrious career, Kurien received numerous
awards and honors for his contributions to agriculture and rural development.
His dedication to empowering farmers and advancing cooperative principles
continues to inspire generations of agricultural leaders around the world.
Role at the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)
Appointed as the head of the National Dairy Development
Board (NDDB) in 1965, Verghese Kurien expanded his impact nationwide. Under his
leadership, NDDB spearheaded the establishment of dairy cooperatives across
India. This initiative transformed dairy farming into one of the largest
self-sustaining industries and employment generators in rural areas. By
empowering farmers through cooperative ownership, Kurien catalyzed a
significant increase in milk production, propelling India to become the world's
largest milk producer by 1998.
Legacy and Global Influence
Verghese Kurien's contributions earned him the title
"Father of the White Revolution" in India. His pioneering work not
only revolutionized dairy farming but also inspired similar cooperative models
in agriculture, such as edible oils production. His cooperative framework was
replicated in various countries, marking a global impact on agricultural
development.
Verghese Kurien: Celebrating a Legacy of Innovation and
Impact
Father of the White Revolution
Verghese Kurien's pivotal role in revolutionizing India's
dairy industry earned him the title "Father of the White Revolution."
His visionary leadership transformed dairy farming into a self-sustaining
industry and propelled India to become the world's largest milk producer.
National Milk Day and Recognition
November 26, Verghese Kurien's birthday, is commemorated as
"National Milk Day" in India, honoring his profound contributions to
the dairy sector and agricultural development.
Notable Awards and Honors
Throughout his illustrious career, Verghese Kurien received
numerous awards and honors:
- 1963: Ramon Magsaysay Award
- 1965: Padma Shri
- 1966: Padma Bhushan
- 1986: Wateler Peace Prize
- 1989: World Food Prize
- 1997: Order of Agricultural Merit (France)
- 1999: Padma Vibhushan
He was also bestowed with an honorary degree from Michigan
State University in 1965 and recognized as the International Person of the Year
during the World Dairy Expo in 1993. Kurien's contributions were further
acknowledged with the Godfrey Phillips Bravery Award for social bravery.
Academic Contributions and Global Influence
Verghese Kurien's cooperative model continues to be studied
and celebrated in academia worldwide. His lectures and publications, including
"An Unfinished Dream," "I Too Had a Dream," and "The
Man Who Made The Elephant Dance," inspire future generations in the fields
of agriculture and cooperative management.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Kurien's influence extends beyond agriculture into popular
culture. The film "Manthan," based on the Amul story, became a symbol
of community empowerment, funded by cooperative members and inspiring similar
movements globally. His support for iconic campaigns like the "Amul
girl" advertisements and the television series "Surabhi"
cemented his legacy as a cultural icon promoting Indian values and dairy
awareness.
Recognition and Honors
Verghese Kurien's remarkable achievements were recognized
with prestigious awards, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1963, the World
Food Prize in 1989, and India's Padma Vibhushan in 1999. The French Government
honored him with the Order of Agricultural Merit in 1997, acknowledging his
profound influence on global agricultural practices.
Verghese Kurien's enduring legacy as an innovator, social
reformer, and visionary leader continues to inspire generations, highlighting
the transformative potential of cooperative movements in fostering sustainable
agricultural development worldwide.
