Dr Kurien - A Visionary Engineer

Verghese Kurien (26 November 1921 – 9 September 2012) was an Indian engineer and renowned social entrepreneur, best known as the "Father of white revolution","operation white flood" which aimed at wiping out scarcity of milk in India and also as creator of "Amul" Brand dairy products.

He is one of the greatest proponents of cooperative movement in the world.His work has alleviated millions out of poverty not only in India but also outside India. He has founded around 30 institutions of excellence (like AMUL,GCMMF,IRMA,NDDB etc)which are owned,managed by farmers and run by professionals. NDDB is an exception as it is a govt organisation but set up to replicate success of Dr. Vergese Kurien across India which is called "Anand model".

As the founding chairman of the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), Kurien was responsible for the creation and success of Amul brand of dairy products. A key achievement at Amul was the invention of milk powder processed from buffalo's milk (abundant in India), as opposed to that made from cow-milk.

Dr Verghese Kurien was an epitome of dedication and commitment, Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi said while expressing grief over demise of the father of the 'white revolution' on Sunday. "His life was the perfect example of 'one life one mission' and I, on behalf of the government and the people of Gujarat, heartily express condolences to Dr Kurien," he said.

"The news of Dr Kurien's demise is a major shock for the whole nation which was mesmerised by 'white revolution' inspired by him," Modi said.

"My heartfelt tribute on sad demise of Dr Verghese Kurien. His pioneering work gave the milk revolution, transformed India and touched us all," Modi said in his tweet following demise of Dr Kurien early on Sunday.

A pall of gloom has descended on cooperative sector patronised by Dr Kurien. The cooperative leaders and parties across political spectrum have also mourned the death of the veteran "milkman".

Terming Dr Kurien as a "visionary", state Congress president Arjun Modhwadia said, "Dr Verghese Kurien made an indispensable contribution to the nation".

Opposition Leader Shaktisinh Gohil and other party leaders including Bharatsinh Solanki have also condoled his death.

Newly elected chairman of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Vipul Chaudhary in his condolence message said, "When there was no television, no mobile phones available, he (Dr Kurien) communicated his vision promptly, effectively and created a revolution."