Dr. Verghese Kurien, born on 26 November 1921 in Kerala, was a visionary dairy engineer and social innovator who transformed rural India through his groundbreaking efforts. His unwavering commitment to farmers and passion for development turned milk into a tool for economic empowerment, propelling India to become the largest milk-producing country in the world and revolutionizing agriculture forever.
Early Years and Education
Kurien was brought up in an environment of Syrian Christian values such as education and service in his family. After completing his degree in physics from Loyola College and his mechanical engineering certifications from the University of Madras, he went over to Michigan State University, United States, to further his studies. He preferred to specialize in mechanical and nuclear engineering, believing this would serve India better; he was sent on a government scholarship to study dairy engineering.
In 1949, Kurien was sent to supervise a government creamery in the village of Anand in the State of Gujarat. There he met Tribhuvandas Patel, the local leader who was organizing dairy farmers for their rights. His vision inspired Kurien. He quit his government job to devote himself to the construction of the cooperative dairy model in that region.
Story of Birth of Amul
The Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers Union, or Amul, was founded by Kurien. Amul eliminated all exploitative middlemen by empowering milk sources and implementing decentralized procurement from local dairy holdings. In order to compete with firms like Nestlé on processing methods like buffalo milk powder, he had to secure a reasonable price for milk. Rapid progress was made in promoting the cooperative model throughout India.
Operation Flood: A Revolution in the Nation
When Kurien was appointed head of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in 1965, Operation Flood got underway. Operation Flood, which aimed to replicate the successful Anand cooperative model throughout India in terms of connecting rural milk producers with cities, grew to become the largest dairy development program in the world with the help of international aid organizations such as the World Bank.
The results were astounding: India's milk production skyrocketed, making it the world's greatest producer by 1998 after previously being a milk-deficient country. In addition to ensuring the nation's milk self-sufficiency, the program created jobs for millions of rural households, raising entire villages.
Kurien's Leadership Philosophy
Kurien's leadership extended beyond advancements in technology. He supported giving farmers more authority as stakeholders and giving them complete control over the dairy production process, from sourcing to marketing. Because of his cooperative model's emphasis on sustainability, equity, and fairness, small-scale farmers may now make a living from dairy farming.
In order to cultivate future leaders in cooperative management by disseminating technical knowledge and encouraging grassroots involvement, he also founded the Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA) in 1979. This proved to be a viable paradigm for rural development.
Spread of Cooperative Model
Kurien wasn't only about milk. This model was applied to other agricultural sectors, including horticulture and edible oils (marketed under the name Dhara), stabilizing these in terms of business and offering a road map for rural economic activity on a global scale. Some nations, including China, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, used this cooperative mechanism.
Awards and Recognition
Kurien received numerous honors for his unique achievements, such as the World Food Prize, the Padma Vibhushan, and the Ramon Magsaysay Award. Most important, though, was the respect and trust he earned from the millions of farmers whose lives he changed.
Legacy of Dr. Verghese Kurien
Even though Dr. Verghese Kurien passed away on September 9, 2012, his legacy endures. In addition to changing the dairy business in India, his work served as a template for group efforts to accomplish sustainable development. His vision and commitment are evident in every glass of milk drunk in India. Anyone who wants to change society can find inspiration in Kurien's career. His life's goal is to transform an entire civilization and open the door to a better future by exemplifying inventiveness, perseverance, and compassion.
By implementing a cooperative model, Dr. Verghese Kurien revolutionized the Indian milk business, empowering rural farmers and elevating India to the forefront of global milk production. He revolutionized rural economies with Amul and Operation Flood, guaranteeing sustainability and self-sufficiency in his vision. Social and agricultural reforms are still driven by his enduring influence.
