Dudhsagar Dairy

Mehsana District Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd.

Dr. Verghese Kurien

Dr.Verghese Kurien
1921 - 2012

The Father of the White Revolution

📍 Born: 26 November 1921, Kozhikode, Kerala, India.

Introduction

  • Known as the “Milkman from Anand”, Dr. Kurien transformed India’s dairy sector.
  • His life-long mission was empowerment of small and marginal farmers and landless labourers.
  • The White Revolution was not just about milk — it was about using milk as a medium to empower millions of farmers socially, politically, and economically.

Vision & Leadership

  • Introduced the Amul-model dairy cooperatives (Anand pattern).
  • Believed: “He was not in the business of milk, but in the business of empowerment.”
  • Recognized by many titles:
    1. The Milkman from Anand
    2. Father of the White Revolution
    3. White Knight

Institution Builder

Founder-Chairman of world-class organizations:

  • NDDB (National Dairy Development Board)
  • GCMMF (Amul)
  • Known for unmatched wisdom, simplicity, and strong administrative skills.

Held high positions in government & institutions:

  • Chairman of GEB
  • Vice Chancellor of GAU
  • Director, LIC & IDBI
  • Director, Bank of Baroda
  • Board member of RBI
  • Chancellor, Allahabad Central University

Cultural Contributions

  • Closely associated with acclaimed films: “Manthan” and “Sardar”.
  • His management style became case studies at leading institutes worldwide.

Awards & Honors

  • National Awards: Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan.
  • International Awards:
    1. World Food Prize (1989)
    2. Carnegie Foundation’s Wateler Peace Prize (1986)
    3. International Person of the Year (World Dairy Expo, 1993)
    4. Ordre du Mérite Agricole – France (1997)
    5. Asian Productivity Award – Japan (2000)
  • Received 15 Honorary Doctorates and 10+ Fellowships from leading global institutions.
  • Only major award he never received: Bharat Ratna.

Legacy

“Why ask me, ask those who give it”
– Dr. Kurien, when asked about the Bharat Ratna.

Dr. Kurien’s life remains a testament to how vision, integrity, and empowerment can transform a nation.

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