November 26, 2023, marks the National Milk Day 2023 which holds a special place in the hearts of millions, as it pays homage to the visionary Dr. Verghese Kurien, the driving force behind the White Revolution. This annual celebration, observed on November 26, serves as a tribute to his remarkable contributions to the development of the dairy industry in India.
National Milk Day 2023 – Theme
Unlike many observances, National Milk Day 2023 does not adhere to a specific theme. Instead, it emphasizes the broader concept of stressing the general importance of consuming milk. The day remains flexible in its approach, serving as a reminder of Dr. Kurien’s determination and the prosperity of the Indian dairy industry.
The White Revolution and Dr. Kurien’s Pioneering Role
In the early 1970s, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) launched Operation Flood, a transformative national project aimed at establishing a comprehensive milk grid across the country. At the helm of the NDDB was Dr. Verghese Kurien, whose leadership injected essential management skills into the cooperative sector. The White Revolution, a monumental component of Operation Flood, catapulted India into becoming one of the world’s leading providers of milk and its derivates.
Economic Transformation and Self-Sufficiency
Operation Flood, under Dr. Kurien’s strategic guidance, pursued twin objectives – increasing domestic milk production and uplifting the economic status of rural areas. By doing so, India successfully countered malpractices prevalent among milk traders and merchants. The result was a self-sufficient dairy industry that contributed a substantial 4.5% to the country’s GDP. Dr. Kurien’s imprint extended beyond statistics, as he also laid the foundation for the iconic milk brand, Amul, often hailed as the gold standard in milk production.
National Milk Day’s Inception
In recognition of Dr. Kurien’s paralleled contributions. In 2014, the NDDB, along with the Indian Dairy Association (IDA) and 22 state-level milk federations, declared November 26 as National Milk Day. This collective decision aimed to ensure that Dr. Kurien’s legacy continues to be celebrated and his vision for a self-reliant nation through dairy development is remembered.
Significance of National Milk Day 2023
National Milk Day serves as a platform to educate the public about the myriad benefits of milk consumption. Beyond honoring Dr. Kurien, the day sparks discussions about the pivotal role of milk in our diets, promoting its intake for nutritional benefits. The celebration also acknowledges the economic growth spurred by the dairy industry and its contribution to good nutrition.
