National Milk Day activities in classes 6-9

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has taken the initiative of celebrating ‘National Milk Day’ to commemorate the birth anniversary of the ‘Father of the White Revolution in India’, Dr Verghese Kurien, also known as the ‘Milkman of India’ annually on 26th November 2022. Dr Kurien is famous for his ‘Operation Flood’, launched on 13th January 1970, known as the world's largest dairy development programme. In 30 years, the operation helped to double the milk available per person in India, making dairy farming India's largest self-sustainable rural employment generator. It also gave farmers direct control over the resources they create, helping them direct their own development. This was achieved not only by mass production, but by production by the masses. This operation was later recognised as the ‘White Revolution’.

Dr Kurien also established 30 institutions that are run by farmers and workers. He also played a key role in the establishment and success of the brand, ‘Amul’. Because of his efforts, India became the largest producer of milk in 1998, surpassing the U.S. He was honoured with several awards, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award (1963), Krishi Ratna (1986) and World Food Prize (1989). He is also the recipient of India's civilian awards like Padma Shri (1965), Padma Bhushan (1966) and Padma Vibhushan (1999).

To honour Dr Kurien, National Milk Day celebrates the importance of milk in a person’s life and aims to promote awareness about the benefits related to milk and the milk industry,  to create awareness among people about the importance of milk and milk products.  At The Indian School- Second Shift, a paragraph writing activity was held for the students of class 6 on the topic, 'Milk- acomplete food'. Students of class 7 had a discussion about the role played by Dr Verghese Kurien in the development of India and also tried their hands on creating a portrait of him.

In class 8, an essay writing activity was held on the topic, ‘White Revolution’ whereby the knowledge of the students regarding this historical event was assessed. Students of class 9 had an interactive session on the theme of World Milk Day, i.e. how dairy is reducing its environmental footprint, while also providing nutritious foods and livelihoods.

The observance of National Milk Day sensitised students about a time when basic milk requirements were also not fulfilled in India, and thus they understood the importance of the White Revolution, and paid their tribute to Dr Verghese Kurien.