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About - Verghese Kurien

Verghese Kurien, often referred to as the "Father of the White Revolution" in India, was an Indian engineer and social entrepreneur. He is best known for his pioneering work in the dairy industry, particularly in the cooperative sector. Here is a brief biography of Verghese Kurien:

Verghese Kurien was born on November 26, 1921, in Calicut (now Kozhikode), Kerala, India. He completed his education in engineering from Loyola College, Madras, and later pursued a degree in mechanical engineering from the College of Engineering, Guindy.

In 1949, Kurien joined the Dairy Department of the Government of India and was appointed to help establish the Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers' Union, known as Amul, in Anand, Gujarat. Under his leadership, Amul became a successful cooperative model, empowering farmers and transforming the dairy industry in India.

Kurien's innovative approach and relentless efforts led to the creation of the "Operation Flood" program, which aimed to increase milk production and improve the livelihoods of rural dairy farmers across India. This program, implemented in the 1970s, revolutionized the Indian dairy industry and made India the world's largest milk-producing country.

Kurien played a crucial role in establishing the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which is the apex body of various dairy cooperatives in Gujarat. He also served as the Chairman of NDDB from 1965 to 1998 and the Chairman of GCMMF from 1973 to 2006.

Throughout his career, Verghese Kurien received numerous awards and honors, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the World Food Prize, and the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award.

Verghese Kurien passed away on September 9, 2012, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the Indian dairy industry and rural development. His cooperative model continues to inspire and empower farmers not only in India but also in other countries around the world.

Note: This biography provides a brief overview of Verghese Kurien's life and achievements. For a more detailed account, I recommend referring to authorized biographies or official sources.

 

Verghese Kurien Social profile links

Date Of Birth26-11-1921
Birth Place Kozhikode, Kerala, India
Wikipedia Page Click here to visit Verghese Kurien Wikipedia page

Famous Quotes

While there are not many well-known quotes attributed specifically to Verghese Kurien, here are a few statements that reflect his philosophy and approach to the dairy industry and rural development:

1. "Give the poor the power to purchase and see how they pull themselves out of poverty."
2. "The true worth of a nation lies not in the price of its GDP but in the welfare of its people."
3. "The essence of development lies in empowering the common man."
4. "Cooperation is the fundamental force that can transform lives and communities."
5. "Milk is not just a commodity, it is a weapon for eradicating malnutrition and poverty."
6. "The success of a cooperative depends on the success of its members."
7. "Empowering farmers and promoting self-reliance is the key to sustainable development."
8. "To bring about change, one must have a deep understanding of the problems and work with dedication and passion to solve them."
9. "Innovation and adaptability are crucial for progress in any field."
10. "Success is not measured by personal achievements but by the positive impact one creates in the lives of others."

These quotes reflect Verghese Kurien's belief in the power of cooperative models, rural development, and the importance of empowering individuals to uplift themselves and their communities.