Book SummaryI Too Had a Dream, by Verghese Kurien

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of I Too Had a Dream

Verghese Kurien's early professional life began with his involvement in the movement for dairy cooperatives.

Verghese Kurien's journey took an unexpected detour as he shifted his focus from pursuing a career in engineering to becoming the driving force behind the dairy cooperative movement in Anand, Gujarat. His professional trajectory shifted when a scholarship sponsored by the government steered his attention away from metallurgy and towards dairy science. Kurien's deep understanding and connection with the lives of farmers propelled his substantial efforts in advancing Amul and the wider cooperative movement.

Verghese Kurien's educational and personal history

Originating from Calicut in Kerala, he concluded his studies in science and technology.

Originating from Calicut in Kerala, Verghese Kurien was raised in an environment that greatly valued the significance of educational pursuits. He excelled in his studies, earning a degree in science and then a qualification in engineering from two renowned institutions situated in the city of Madras. His academic achievements were matched by an enthusiastic dedication to sports, highlighting his resilience and adaptability.

Kurien began his professional journey with a stint at the renowned Tata Iron and Steel Company. His unease with the advantages that came from his familial ties motivated him to pursue different prospects. He received a scholarship sponsored by the government for further education abroad, which inadvertently directed his professional path toward dairy technology.

Practical Tips

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• Create a virtual dairy farm simulation using free online tools to understand the complexities of dairy production. Use spreadsheet software to track the inputs and outputs of a hypothetical dairy farm, such as feed costs, milk production, and labor. Adjust different parameters to see how changes in technology or processes could improve efficiency and productivity. This exercise can help you grasp the economic and technological challenges faced by the dairy industry.

Verghese Kurien initiated his journey in the dairy sector at a state-run establishment...

I Too Had a Dream Summary The development and growth of the Amul cooperative, in conjunction with the distinctive cooperative framework that originated in the town of Anand.

This segment of the narrative delves into the growth and triumphs of the Amul cooperative, highlighting the core principles that were crucial to its success and defined the original framework that was conceived in a small locality known as Anand. Kurien highlights the importance of creating a dairy sector that is financially viable and sustainable, which can be realized by empowering the agricultural community, adopting effective marketing strategies, and establishing producer-controlled democratic institutions.

The creation and architectural framework of the Amul cooperative.

Under the guidance of Tribhuvandas Patel, village dairy cooperatives were established.

Tribhuvandas Patel, a staunch participant in the struggle for independence, took on a crucial role in establishing a cooperative system for those who produced milk in the Kaira district, heeding the advice of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He tirelessly advocated for farmers' rights, emphasizing their right to manage the gathering, processing, and marketing of the milk they produced. Verghese Kurien's unwavering commitment played a crucial role in the creation of a vital organization, which became a key force in...

I Too Had a Dream Summary The launch and execution of Operation Flood played a pivotal role in the development of the dairy industry in India.

This section of the narrative describes the courageous project conceived by Kurien and spearheaded by the NDDB, designed to transform India's dairy industry and address the nation's milk scarcity. Kurien emphasizes the approach of leveraging European dairy surplus contributions to finance the creation of cooperative infrastructure, which subsequently set up a system for channeling milk from rural producers to urban markets.

Recognizing the importance of boosting dairy output nationwide

Every individual was facing a decline in milk accessibility due to a heavy dependence on dairy products imported from abroad.

In the 1960s, India faced significant challenges due to a burgeoning milk shortage. The availability of milk per person had markedly diminished, not fulfilling the suggested nutritional standards. The dependence on milk powder brought in from overseas to augment the domestic supply inadvertently suppressed native dairy farming and, at the same time, drained the country's precious reserves of foreign currency.

Context

• Milk is a vital source of nutrition, especially in a country like India where it is a staple in many diets, providing essential...

I Too Had a Dream Summary Kurien faced administrative obstacles and opponents, and he also launched initiatives to improve different aspects of the agricultural industry aside from dairy.

In this segment of his story, Kurien recounts the challenges he faced, particularly the opposition from those in power and critics doubtful of the Operation Flood program's potential. He underscores the importance of autonomy and strong leadership in protecting the interests of farmers and ensuring the success of joint ventures. Kurien reveals his efforts to expand the cooperative model to include areas like the creation of cooking oils, the generation of power, and the oversight and allocation of agricultural goods.

Overcoming the obstacles presented by deeply rooted government structures and established interest groups.

Confronting Milk Commissioners alongside regional administrative bodies

Implementing 'Operation Flood' necessitated the removal of entrenched administrative barriers and the reduction of influential entities' power. Kurien faced resistance from milk regulation authorities who saw the cooperative method as a threat to their authority, and from government officials hesitant to relinquish their grip on the dairy industry. He recounts his journey of challenging traditional practices, relentlessly advocating for farmer-owned cooperatives, and ultimately...