Dr. Verghese Kurien bridged the gap between rich and poor: Nirmala Kurien at XLRI Jamshedpur

XLRI Jamshedpur organizes 11th Dr Verghese Kurien Memorial Oration

Jamshedpur, Oct 5: XLRI – Xavier School of Management organized the 11th Dr. Verghese Kurien Memorial Oration on October 5th, 2024, at the XLRI Tata Auditorium. Organized by the Fr Arrupe Center for Ecology and Sustainability (FACES), this annual event honors Dr. Verghese Kurien, the visionary Founder of AMUL, widely known as “The Milkman of India.”

This year, Jayen Mehta, Managing Director of Amul and the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (GCMMF), delivered the 11th Dr. Verghese Kurien Memorial Oration on “AMUL Model: Transforming Lives of Million.”

Present on the dais were  Nirmala Kurien – Daughter of Dr Verghese Kurien and along with  Jayen Mehta – Managing Director of AMUL and the Orator for the event, Fr S George, S.J. – Director, XLRI Jamshedpur, Fr Donald D’Silva, S.J. – Dean (Administration & Finance) and Dr. Sanjay Patro – Dean (Academics).

The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, seeking blessings from the Almighty.

Fr. S George S.J., Director at XLRI Jamshedpur addressed the gathering and said, “Dr. Verghese Kurien’s life was characterized by a commitment to making a difference. Widely acknowledged as the Father of the White Revolution in India, he is globally renowned as a socially responsible entrepreneur. Since 1997, India has remained the largest milk producer, thanks to Dr. Kurien’s efforts, involving a workforce of 70 million rural households and 70% workforce that comprises women. In memory of Dr. Kurien, XLRI established the oration to honor his legacy by promoting and spreading the concept of an empowered, just, and sustainable society.”

A short video was shown as a tribute to The Milkman of India – Dr. Verghese Kurien.

“It is with deep gratitude that I stand before you for the 11th Dr. Verghese Kurien Memorial Oration. I would like to reaffirm my father’s belief: Life is a privilege, and to waste it would be a big mistake. He emphasized the importance of accepting responsibility, recognizing our talents, and using them to serve society. Dr. Kurien played a crucial role in bridging the gap between the rich and the poor in India’s villages. True integrity, he often said, begins with being honest with oneself. More than half a century ago, my father dared to dream that a milk-deficient country could one day become self-sufficient. Today, India stands as the world’s largest producer of milk. ‘Dream big, challenge the wrongs, and always strive for the greater good.’ These were his guiding words, and they continue to inspire us all”, said Nirmala Kurien, Daughter of Dr. Verghese Kurien.

Dr. Sanjay Patro, Dean (Academics), XLRI Jamshedpur delivered the vote of thanks for the 11th Dr. Verghese Kurien Memorial Oration.