Personal Information

Full Name: Verghese Kurien

Nickname: Father of the White Revolution Milkman of India

Country/State: India

Date of Birth: 1921-11-21

Languages Known: English, Malayalam, Gujarati, Hindi

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Food Habit: Non-vegetarian (traditional Kerala upbringing)

Religion: Christianity

Hobbies: Reading Listening to music Nation-building social programs Agriculture development initiatives

Education

School: Schooling in Kozhikode, Kerala

College: Loyola College, Chennai – B.Sc. Physics Tata Institute of Science, Bangalore – Mechanical Engineering studies

Degrees Obtained: Bachelor’s Degree in Physics Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Dairy Engineering)

Physical Stats

Height: 170 cm

Weight: 70 kg

Family Information

Parents: Father: Puthenpurackal Kurien – Civil Surgeon Mother: Annamma Kurien – Homemaker

Siblings: Not Public

Marital Status: married

Wife: Molly Kurien

Children: 1

Career

Current Position: (He is no longer living) Social entrepreneur, Dairy development leader

Skills:

Net Worth: Not applicable (public service and co-operative leadership)

Awards & Achievements:

Biography Details

Born in 1921 in Kerala, Verghese Kurien studied engineering and travelled abroad for specialisation in dairy engineering. After returning to India, he was posted to Anand, Gujarat — a turning point in his life.

There, he worked with farmers and visionary leader Tribhuvandas Patel to build a co-operative model that ensured fair income for milk producers. This co-operative later became Amul — India’s most influential dairy brand.

Kurien led Operation Flood, a nationwide dairy revolution supported by innovative logistics, chilling plants, farmer education, and women’s participation. His efforts eradicated milk shortages, reduced poverty, and brought dignity to rural livelihoods.

He believed industry must serve people, not exploit them. His model of farmer-owned business became an inspiration globally and continues to power India’s rural economy.

He passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy that changed India forever.

• AMUL and NDDB are conducting national awareness campaigns celebrating Kurien’s legacy of farmer-owned co-operatives.

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• New rural entrepreneurship programs launched to empower women dairy farmers, inspired by his vision.

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• Educational institutions in agriculture and rural development are adding new leadership modules based on Kurien’s management and community-first approach.

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• India continues to maintain its position as the world’s largest milk producer, a living testament to his revolution.

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