Where Dreams Turn to Deeds: At the Heart of NDDB and Anand

There are some institutions whose greatness is so well-established that speaking of them feels almost presumptuous—like carving initials on a mountain that has stood for centuries. 

Shakespeare’s words through Antonio in The Tempest ring true when one steps into a place shaped by momentous history yet vibrant with purpose: “...what’s past is prologue, what to come In yours and my discharge”. 

And yet, reverence and futility notwithstanding, some experiences demand to be shared, if only to express heartfelt gratitude. My visit to the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) at Anand, Gujarat, on 24th April was one such experience—a humbling and inspiring journey through the corridors of excellence, innovation, and ethical nation-building. I must, therefore, pay my respects to the timelessness and majesty of the institution.

NDDB was set up under the visionary leadership of Dr. Verghese Kurien and its committed team continues the great work. Mr. SS Gill from their HR wing had kindly invited me to deliver a talk to the teams of NDDB and associated organizations in Anand, notably Anand Milk Union Limited (the household name AMUL), the pioneering cooperative dairy society, and Institute of Rural Management (IRMA), the premier institute for rural management, set up with support from NDDB and Dr. Kurien.

It was indeed a great honour and privilege!

Dr. Kurien, hailed as the ‘Father of the White Revolution’, did not merely set up a dairy board—he lit a spark that transformed the socio-economic fabric of rural India. It is also noteworthy that this remarkable movement was set in motion by the pioneering leadership of Tribhuvandas Patel, whose vision of cooperative strength laid the foundation upon which Dr. Kurien would later build a national revolution. Today, NDDB stands as a towering monument to what is possible when vision, integrity, innovation, and grassroots empowerment come together in perfect harmony.

From the moment I set foot on NDDB’s lush, beautifully maintained campus, it was clear that this was no ordinary place. The green, serene landscape seemed to mirror the organization's philosophy—growth with responsibility, progress with clear balance and ethics. Every interaction, every initiative showcased an unwavering commitment to ethical practices, innovation, and self-reliance. The discussions at NDDB opened up layers of learning, especially on how institutions can stay true to their founding values while evolving with changing times.

From ushering in 'Operation Flood', which made India the global leader in milk production, to empowering rural livelihoods through dairy-farming, biogas, animal nutrition, and sustainable energy, NDDB’s initiatives have touched millions of lives—quietly transforming villages into engines of self-reliant growth. Its impact echoes far beyond Gujarat, shaping policies, empowering women, and building resilient rural economies. The reach of the work that NDDB has done instantly reminds me of the bard’s Portia in The Merchant of Venice when she says, "…How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed…".

One cannot speak of NDDB without mentioning Amul—the brand that has become synonymous with trust, quality, and the spirit of Indian enterprise. The visit to Amul’s modern, impeccably clean plants for butter, milk powder, and chocolates was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Automation, hygiene, and efficiency coexisted seamlessly, creating products that millions across the country—and indeed the world—consume every day. Watching the silent ballet of machines, guided by meticulous human oversight, underscored the sheer scale of technological adoption that Amul has achieved without ever losing sight of its cooperative soul.

It was deeply moving to realize that behind every packet of butter or box of chocolate is not just an efficient assembly line, but the collective dreams and efforts of countless small farmers. The success of Amul is not just about business excellence; it is a living example of cooperative strength, community-driven growth, and the enduring power of collective ownership.

As if this were not enough, the visit included an unforgettable trip to Mujkuva village, to witness the unending efforts of NDDB towards rural revolutions—an embodiment of sustainable rural innovation. In Mujkuva, around 150 households, each with four to five cattle (or at times more), have been empowered with flexible 2-cubic metre biogas plants. These small but powerful systems are provided to women leaders, freeing them from the drudgery of LPG or coal based cooking and disposal of dung, improving their health, and creating precious new opportunities for entrepreneurship and education. What began here as a pioneering model is now steadily being replicated in rural communities across India, proving that small flames of innovation can light up an entire nation.

But Mujkuva’s spirit of innovation goes even further. The village has the proud distinction of hosting the country's first model where grid-connected farmers voluntarily gave up their subsidized agricultural connections to adopt grid-connected solar pumps. This bold and visionary move towards renewable energy and responsible resource use was recognized at the highest level—when the Prime Minister himself inaugurated Mujkuva SPICE (Solar Pump Irrigation Custom Hiring Entrepreneurs) on 30th September 2018.

Inspired by its success, this model is now being adapted and scaled in other regions, offering a blueprint for cleaner, more equitable agricultural energy solutions nationwide.

It is no exaggeration to say that Mujkuva represents the best of what rural India can achieve when supported by visionary institutions and driven by an enlightened community spirit. It was heartening to see technology and tradition working hand in hand, offering a roadmap for a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future.

We ended the tour with a fascinating visit to a village milk collection centre—one of the oldest near Anand—where the spirit of cooperative enterprise was on full display. As farmers arrived with their milk containers, each sample was instantly tested for fat and SNF (Solids-Not-Fat) content using digital analysers. Based on quality, the corresponding price was calculated, and payment was directly transferred to the farmer’s account—completely digital and entirely paperless. The collected milk, untouched by hand, flows through automated pipelines into a large storage tank, maintained under hygienic, temperature-controlled conditions. From there, it is pumped into insulated collection tankers that arrive daily, ensuring that freshness and quality remain preserved all the way to the processing centres.

Reflecting on this visit, I am filled with a profound sense of admiration and optimism. Institutions like NDDB and Amul—and initiatives like Mujkuva’s biogas and solar programs—are reminders that real change is not born of grand gestures alone. It is nurtured by the quiet, persistent accumulation of small victories: ethical choices, inclusive innovations, courageous leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

My sincere thanks to everyone at NDDB, Amul, and Mujkuva village for opening their doors, minds, and hearts to me. The learning, inspiration, and renewed faith in what is possible will stay with me for a long, long time.

Indeed, to have witnessed firsthand the living legacy of Dr. Kurien was not just a visit; it was a pilgrimage. As Shakespeare reminds us, albeit through the villain Cassius in Julius Caesar, 'The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves.' In the story of NDDB and Amul, this timeless truth shines bright: destinies are forged not by fate, but by vision, courage, and relentless human endeavour — "It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves".

…