The association of late Varghese Kurien, Father of the ‘White Revolution’, with Erode district was cemented for posterity today with the unveiling of his bust on the premises of National Dairy Development Board in Chithode.
The bust, stated by farmers here to be the first in South India, was unveiled by nonagenarian S.K. Paramasivam (94), former Erode MP, in the presence of E. Madhavan, retired South Zone Director of National Dairy Development Board.
Late Varghese Kurien who had lived in Gobichettipalayam with his family before ushering in the ‘White Revolution’ had special interest in strengthening the dairy movement in Erode district, C. Logusamy, District-unit Organising Secretary of Tamilzhaga Vivasayigal Sangam, said.
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The bust was sponsored by Mr. Paramasivam, out of the Rs. 1 lakh award he had received long back for best performance as Aavin Chairman from the Indian Dairy Association. Mr. Paramasivam said he was ecstatic about the unveiling of the bust on the eve of his 95th birthday.
For the last two years, the former MP had kept the bust at his home.
Farmers’ associations took the initiative to secure sanction of the Central Government to install the statue on the premises of NDDB that is adjacent to the Aavin Complex.
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Farmers who took part in the programme adopted resolutions seeking national-level celebration of Kurien’s birth anniversary as National Milk Development Day in recognition of his contribution for India’s self-sufficiency in milk.
The Erode District Milk Producers Association drew the government’s attention to the economic backwardness of farmers from whom land had been acquired for establishment of Aavin complex and NDDP complex, and sought employment for the descendants.