Archive · 18 Jul 2026
Varghese Kurien's Legacy and NDDB's Transformation
Varghese Kurien was a famous dairy expert who made India the biggest milk producer in the world through Operation Flood.
He ran the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) with strict rules and a focus on empowering people.
However, the government chose someone else to lead NDDB after Kurien, which he didn't like.
He publicly criticized the government's choice, calling them termites.
Over time, NDDB has become less transparent, and some people think it's now more about making money than helping people.
Kurien's legacy is remembered, but the organization he built is not the same anymore.
Varghese Kurien transformed India into the world's largest milk producer through Operation Flood.
Kurien ran NDDB with strict adherence to the NDDB Act and a focus on empowerment.
The government bypassed Kurien's chosen successor, Dr. Amrita Patel, and chose an IAS officer instead.
Kurien publicly criticized the IAS lobby, calling them termites at a function in Anand.
Post-Kurien, NDDB's transparency has decreased, suggesting potential corruption.
- Who
- Varghese Kurien, Indian dairy entrepreneur and founder of Operation Flood.
- What
- Kurien's legacy and the transformation of NDDB post his leadership.
- When
- Kurien ran NDDB for thirty years; his successor was chosen by the government.
- Where
- Anand, Gujarat, India.
- Why
- To highlight Kurien's disciplined leadership and the government's interference in NDDB's operations.
Kurien's Vision
Government's Interference
Leadership Style
Kurien's Vision
Kurien ran NDDB with disciplined leadership and institutional vision, focusing on empowerment.
Government's Interference
The government preferred an IAS officer with a vet's degree, sidelining Kurien's choice for succession.
Transparency
Kurien's Vision
Kurien maintained high transparency and followed the NDDB Act strictly.
Government's Interference
Post-Kurien, NDDB's transparency has diminished, suggesting potential corruption.
Political Alignment
Kurien's Vision
Kurien was labeled a Congressman despite his significant contributions to Gujarat's cooperative sector.
Government's Interference
The BJP's entry into the cooperative sector led to changes in leadership, including Kurien's successor.
- Operation Flood
- Transformed India into the world's largest milk producer.
- NDDB Act
- Parliament passed a special Act for NDDB, which Kurien followed strictly.
- Kurien's Successor
- Dr. Amrita Patel was Kurien's chosen successor but was bypassed by the government.
- IAS Officer
- An IAS officer with a vet's degree was chosen to lead NDDB, excluding Kurien from the decision.
- Kurien's Criticism
- Kurien publicly criticized the IAS lobby, calling them termites at a function in Anand.
- Political Support
- Only Lal Bahadur Shastri and Vajpayee supported Kurien; most agriculture ministers opposed him.
- BJP's Involvement
- The BJP entered the cooperative sector, leading to changes in milk union leadership.
- NDDB's Current State
- Transparency has decreased, likened to milk diluted with extra water.