**National Milk Day** is observed on **November 26** in India to commemorate the birth anniversary of **Dr. Verghese Kurien**, the architect of the Indian **White Revolution** and the founder of **Amul**. This day celebrates the importance of milk as a global food source and honors the contributions of the dairy industry to the economy and health of the nation.
### **About National Milk Day**
- **Purpose**: To recognize the importance of milk as a vital source of nutrition and its role in improving livelihoods through the dairy sector.
- **Significance**: The day highlights India's transformation into the world's largest producer of milk, driven by initiatives like the **Operation Flood** program, spearheaded by Dr. Verghese Kurien.
### **History of National Milk Day**
- **Initiation**: National Milk Day was first celebrated on **November 26, 2014**, following a joint initiative by **IDFA (Indian Dairy Association)** and 22 state-level dairy federations.
- **Tribute to Dr. Verghese Kurien**: Known as the **"Milkman of India,"** Kurien's innovative leadership in cooperative dairy farming and marketing (through Amul) revolutionized India's dairy industry.
### **Significance**
1. **Celebrates the White Revolution**:
- The White Revolution transformed India from a milk-deficient country to the largest producer of milk globally.
- It improved rural livelihoods and nutrition levels nationwide.
2. **Highlights Dairy's Role in Nutrition**:
- Milk is a rich source of calcium, protein, and essential vitamins.
3. **Supports Farmers**:
- Acknowledges the efforts of millions of dairy farmers whose livelihoods depend on this sector.
### **How to Celebrate National Milk Day**
1. **Drink Milk**: Incorporate milk or dairy products into your meals to honor this nutritious food.
2. **Educate Others**: Share information about the benefits of milk and Dr. Verghese Kurien's contributions to India's dairy success.
3. **Visit a Dairy Farm**: Learn about the processes involved in milk production and the lives of dairy farmers.
4. **Host Awareness Campaigns**: Schools and communities can organize events highlighting the importance of milk and its role in a balanced diet.
### **Key Facts About Milk and Dairy in India**
1. **Largest Producer**: India is the largest producer of milk in the world, accounting for over **22% of global production**.
2. **Operation Flood**: Launched in **1970**, this program was the world's largest dairy development initiative, turning India self-sufficient in milk production.
3. **Nutritional Benefits**:
- Milk is a source of **calcium**, **protein**, **vitamin D**, and **potassium**, essential for bone health and overall development.
4. **Amul**: Founded in **1946**, it became the centerpiece of India's dairy revolution and a global symbol of cooperative success.
### **Dr. Verghese Kurien's Legacy**
- **Father of the White Revolution**: Dr. Kurien's leadership transformed rural India by empowering farmers, particularly women.
- **Anand Milk Union Limited (Amul)**: Under his guidance, Amul became synonymous with quality and innovation.
- **Operation Flood**: Through this program, India surpassed the US in milk production by the late 1990s.
### **Fun Facts**
1. Milk is considered a complete food as it contains most of the nutrients required for human health.
2. India celebrates **World Milk Day** on **June 1**, in addition to National Milk Day.
### **Why National Milk Day Matters**
- It highlights the importance of milk in improving nutrition and boosting the economy.
- It celebrates the dedication of millions of farmers and the transformative work of Dr. Verghese Kurien, whose vision helped make India a global leader in milk production.
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