Verghese Kurien

Verghese Kurien, born on November 26, 1921, in Kozhikode, Kerala, left an indelible mark on India's agricultural landscape as the visionary behind the White Revolution. This moniker, "Father of the White Revolution," is a testament to Kurien's transformative contributions to the dairy industry, which reshaped India's economic and social fabric.

Early Life and Education

Born to civil surgeon Dr. P. K. Kurien in a Suriyani Nasrani family, Verghese Kurien's early life was marked by academic excellence. He pursued physics at Loyola College and later obtained a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the College of Engineering, Guindy. His journey took a turn when he opted for dairy engineering, graduating from the Imperial Institute of Animal Husbandry in Bangalore and earning a master's degree from Michigan State University.

The Billion-Litre Idea: Operation Flood

Kurien's "billion-litre idea," Operation Flood, revolutionized dairy farming in India. Through this initiative, he turned the country into the world's largest milk producer, doubling the per capita availability of milk and quadrupling the milk output over three decades. Operation Flood not only made dairy farming India's largest self-sustaining industry but also emerged as the primary source of rural employment, constituting a significant portion of rural income.

Anand Model of Dairy Cooperatives

At the heart of Kurien's success was the Anand model of dairy cooperatives. He pioneered a system that seamlessly blended "top-down" and "bottom-up" approaches, ensuring that no milk from farmers was refused. This model empowered dairy farmers by allowing them to control the marketing, procurement, and processing of milk and milk products as owners of the cooperative. Notably, 70-80% of the price paid by consumers was given to these farmers in cash, creating a sustainable and equitable ecosystem.

Diversification and Self-Sufficiency

Kurien's impact extended beyond dairy. He played a pivotal role in making India self-sufficient in edible oils, challenging the dominance of the "oil kings" who sought to control the oilseed industry through unethical means. His resilience and commitment to economic independence led to a successful battle against these forces, showcasing his determination to transform India's agricultural landscape.

Turning Point: Anand and the Birth of Amul

Kurien's transformative journey began in 1949 when the government sent him to the experimental creamery at Anand, Bombay province. Initially planning to leave, he changed course after meeting Tribhuvandas Patel, a man seeking to organize farmers and establish a cooperative. Kurien not only stayed but also founded the Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers' Union Limited (Amul) in 1950, shaping the foundation of the White Revolution.

Legacy and Recognition

Verghese Kurien's contributions did not go unnoticed. He received numerous accolades, including the World Food Prize (1989), Order of Agricultural Merit (1997), and Padma Vibhushan (1999), among others. His legacy lives on through institutions like the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and the Institute of Rural Management (IRMA), which he chaired.

Verghese Kurien's life epitomizes the power of visionary leadership in transforming a nation's fortunes. His dedication to empowering farmers and revolutionizing the dairy industry earned him a place in history as the architect of India's White Revolution. The impact of his "billion-litre idea" continues to resonate, shaping the future of India's agricultural prosperity.

In the quaint town of Anand in 1970, the visionary trio-Verghese Kurien, Tribhuvandas Patel, and dairy engineer H. M. Dalaya-stood proudly at the heart of a dairy plant that would become the epicenter of India's White Revolution. Their collaborative efforts not only transformed the rural landscape but also laid the foundation for one of the most successful cooperative models in the world.

Addressing Fluctuating Milk Production

The genesis of Amul was rooted in the farmers' predicament-a surplus of milk during flush seasons and a lack of buyers. Seeking a solution, the cooperative proposed converting surplus milk into milk powder. Enter H. M. Dalaya, Kurien's American batchmate and dairy engineer extraordinaire. Convincing Dalaya to stay in Anand, the duo pioneered the process of producing skim milk powder and condensed milk, not from cow milk, but from the abundant buffalo milk available in India. This strategic move gave Amul a competitive edge against giants like Nestle and later against Glaxo in the baby food market.

Amul's Strategic Triumphs

Buffalo milk, plentiful in India, became the backbone of Amul's success. In a market where cow milk was scarce, Amul outpaced competitors through innovative processes. The foray into cheese production from buffalo milk, led by G. H. Wilster's research, further solidified Amul's position in the market. To streamline operations and cut costs, Kurien introduced a captive packaging-tin unit attached to the dairy facility, showcasing his knack for efficiency and resourcefulness.

The Cooperative Connect: Direct From Farms To Consumers

Amul's success extended beyond technological innovation. The cooperative transformed the dairy landscape by organizing farmers in villages, forging a direct link to consumers in the market. By eliminating intermediaries, Amul ensured farmers a steady income even during lean seasons. The establishment of well-paved village "milk roads" and "cold chains" facilitated the seamless transportation of products to the bustling Bombay City, providing consumers with high-quality products at competitive prices.

Legacy of Empowerment

Amul, under the leadership of Kurien, Patel, and Dalaya, became a symbol of rural empowerment. The cooperative model not only uplifted farmers but also revolutionized the dairy industry. The triumvirate's strategic decisions, from processing buffalo milk to creating an efficient supply chain, resonated far beyond Anand. Amul emerged not just as a dairy brand but as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and visionary leadership.

In the corridors of Anand's dairy plant, the legacy of Kurien, Patel, and Dalaya stands tall-a legacy of empowerment, innovation, and resilience. Amul, with its roots deeply embedded in addressing the challenges faced by farmers, remains an enduring symbol of India's agricultural prowess and cooperative strength.

Political and Social Landscape

Verghese Kurien, alongside his mentor Patel, spearheaded a groundbreaking cooperative model supported by visionary political leaders and bureaucrats. In the aftermath of colonial rule, India's leadership, scarred by unjust land taxes and historical famines, sought food security and self-sufficiency. Influenced by socialist ideals and Gandhian philosophy, they embraced social capital over capital assets, paving the way for Kurien's transformative venture.

Steadfast Consolidation

Amul's cooperative dairying venture garnered widespread attention, drawing dignitaries, researchers, and the curious public. Nehru's endorsement and Kurien's strategic acumen navigated challenges from global competitors. During the Indo-China war, Kurien's decisive actions ensured the dairy's vital role in supplying the army, showcasing resilience in the face of adversity.

Nationwide Expansion And Impact

In 1965, PM Lal Bahadur Shastri entrusted Kurien with replicating the Anand scheme nationwide. The autonomous NDDB, strategically located away from political interference, became a cornerstone. Kurien's negotiations with international bodies leveraged aid to boost indigenous production, and the Amul model's success echoed in the creation of state federations like Nandini, Saras, and Sudha.

Influence On Global Markets And Aid

Inspired by Indira and Rajiv Gandhi, Kurien played a pivotal role in establishing cooperatives in diverse sectors, giving rise to iconic brands. Globally, his influence extended to advising countries like the Soviet Union, Pakistan, China, and Sri Lanka on dairy cooperative setups. India's ascent as the world's largest milk producer by 1998 testified to Kurien's strategic vision.

Market Leadership And Legacy

Amidst vehement opposition to multinational entry in the 1990s, Kurien's unwavering stance protected India's dairy sector. The nation's ascent as a leading milk producer by 1998 underscored the success of his endeavors. However, his departure from GCMMF in 2006 marked a contentious period, emphasizing the ongoing debate on the direction of cooperative dairying. Kurien's enduring legacy remains a testament to his impact on India's dairy industry and the critical role of cooperative institutions in safeguarding the interests of farmers and consumers.

Verghese Kurien: A Cultural Icon

Silver Screen Triumph

Renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal envisioned capturing the essence of Amul in the cinematic masterpiece "Manthan," meaning the churning of the milk ocean in Hindu mythology. However, financial constraints threatened the realization of this cinematic dream. In a remarkable display of solidarity, Verghese Kurien rallied his half-million member farmers, each contributing two rupees to fund the movie. Released in 1976, "Manthan" not only resonated with the farmers who contributed to its making but also struck a chord with audiences nationwide. Its success encouraged distributors to bring it to theatres across the country, turning it into a cinematic triumph that celebrated the spirit of cooperative empowerment.

Literary Legacy

In 2005, Verghese Kurien penned his narrative in the book "I Too Had A Dream," chronicling the empowering journey of farmers and the development of milk cooperatives in India. This literary work provided further insight into Kurien's visionary leadership. The audio version, produced by Atul Bhide, extended the reach of Kurien's narrative to a broader audience, perpetuating the tale of cooperative success.

Beyond Borders

"Manthan's" success became a catalyst for Kurien's visionary outreach. He conceptualized a real-life tour featuring a veterinarian, a milk technician, and a fodder specialist who traversed different parts of India alongside the film. Their mission was to inspire farmers to form their cooperatives. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) harnessed the power of the movie, using it as a tool to initiate similar cooperative endeavors in Latin America and Africa. Kurien's influence transcended national boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on global cooperative movements.

Cultural Endorsements:-

Verghese Kurien's endorsement played a pivotal role in shaping iconic facets of Indian popular culture. The "Amul girl" ad campaign, a whimsical and enduring symbol, became one of the longest-running campaigns under Kurien's support. Additionally, "Surabhi," a TV series celebrating Indian culture, earned millions of postcards from viewers, solidifying its status as one of the longest-running shows on national television during the 1990s. Kurien's cultural contributions extended beyond the realm of dairy, showcasing his ability to weave narratives that resonate with the masses.

Comic Chronicle

In 2013, Amar Chitra Katha, the renowned Indian comic book series, paid homage to Verghese Kurien's legacy with the publication of "Verghese Kurien: The Man with the Billion Litre Idea." The comic book encapsulated the story of Dr. Kurien, intricately linking it with the saga of Amul. This publication added a vibrant and accessible dimension to Kurien's narrative, ensuring that his remarkable journey continued to inspire generations.

Verghese Kurien's multifaceted impact on popular culture, spanning cinema, literature, and advertising, underscores his ability to connect with diverse audiences. His legacy not only shaped the narrative of Indian cooperative success but also transcended borders, becoming a source of inspiration for cooperative movements worldwide.

Death

Dr. Verghese Kurien passed away at the age of 90 on September 9, 2012, succumbing to illness at a Nadiad hospital near Anand. His wife, Molly, hosted mourners in Anand during this challenging time. Born into a Christian family, Kurien later embraced atheism. Following his death, he was cremated, leaving behind a legacy survived by his daughter, Nirmala, and a grandson.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Kurien's significant impact was not only recognised nationally but also globally. His numerous awards, including the prestigious Padma Vibhushan and the World Food Prize, attest to his transformative contributions to the dairy industry and social development.

His dedication to social issues and agriculture was further acknowledged through lectures held in his memory, addressing ongoing rural challenges. Dr. Kurien's legacy endures through the institutions he led and the global recognition of his work, evidenced by honorary degrees from esteemed universities.

As a fitting tribute, National Milk Day is observed on November 26, commemorating Dr. Kurien's birthday. This annual celebration highlights the continuing impact of his work on the dairy sector in India.

Conclusion

Dr. Verghese Kurien's life was marked by innovation, entrepreneurship, and a commitment to social justice. His legacy lives on through the transformative initiatives inspired by his work, ensuring that his contributions to the dairy industry and rural development are remembered and celebrated for generations to come.