The cooperative movement across India is commemorating the birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien on 26th November 2025, celebrated as National Milk Day. Revered as the “Father of India’s White Revolution,” Dr. Kurien transformed the country’s dairy sector, empowering millions of farmers and establishing India as the world’s largest milk producer.
Cooperative bodies, dairy unions, and milk producers’ organizations paid tribute to Dr. Kurien today. Veteran cooperative leader Jyotindra Mehta wrote, “Dr. Verghese Kurien proved that cooperatives can change the lives of farmers and the poor. He also advocated for a liberal cooperative framework and credited Shri Tribhuvandas Patel as a pioneer alongside him in building Amul.”
Amul commemorated the day with a topical tribute, celebrating Dr. Kurien’s 104th birth anniversary, while the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) highlighted his vision, “India’s place in the sun comes from the partnership between the wisdom of its rural people and the skill of its professionals.” NDDB saluted all dairy farmers and stakeholders who continue to advance his mission of nation-building through milk.
Paayas Dairy emphasized his guiding principle: “Professionals must work not for themselves, but for the people.” They honored dairy farmers nationwide who strengthen the cooperative movement and nourish the nation.
Similarly, Goa Dairy remembered Dr. Kurien for transforming rural India’s economy and giving dignity, ownership, and fair earnings to millions through the cooperative model.
In Jammu & Kashmir, the JK Milk Producers Cooperative Limited (JKMPCL) marked the occasion by concluding the Snowcap T20 Dairy Farmers’ Cricket League, celebrating teamwork and the cooperative spirit in line with Dr. Kurien’s legacy. The league’s final witnessed a thrilling contest, with Team Snowcap emerging victorious, reflecting determination, discipline, and unity.
Born on 26th November 1921 in Calicut, Kerala, Dr. Kurien held degrees in physics and mechanical engineering, including a master’s from Michigan State University.
He moved to Anand, Gujarat, in 1949 to serve as a government dairy officer and soon established the Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers Union Ltd. (later Amul) in 1950, pioneering the Anand cooperative model.
This model empowered farmers to manage procurement, processing, and marketing, with professional support, and became the foundation of India’s White Revolution.
Dr. Kurien also founded the NDDB, Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA), Anandalaya Education Society, Vidya Dairy, and served as Chairman of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation.
Alongside the Amul Trinity of Tribhuvandas Patel and HM Dalaya, he revolutionized India’s dairy sector through innovation, farmer empowerment, and cooperative excellence.
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying will celebrate National Milk Day today in New Delhi, with Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh as Chief Guest, joined by Ministers of State S.P. Singh Baghel and George Kurian. The Minister will present the National Gopal Ratna Awards in three categories, with special awards for the Northeast and Himalayan states.
Key launches will include Breed Multiplication Farms, Veterinary Infrastructure Guidelines, and Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2025. The event will also flag off 20 NDPP-assisted milk tankers and host a panel on enhancing animal productivity, with nationwide participation.
Indian Cooperative also joins the nation in saluting the man who transformed the lives of millions.