National Milk Day - November 26

Amul is celebrating the birthday of the milk revolutionist in India, Verghese Kurien as National Milk Day. Known for his White Revolution which increased the production of milk in India with his amazing initiative.

Amul which is known for their creative print ads on current affairs could not miss this great event of their family.

The ad shows the Amul girl sharing a glass of Amul milk

Today India is ahead of United States in milk production which was achieved due to Kurien’s efforts. It is not just the milk production which increased in the country but many poverty stricken people found a way of livelihood. It was his brains that designed the system and working of milk production.

The Operation Flood Programme by him helped the nation emerge as India’s largest employment programme making Kurien the Milkman of India. For his noteworthy works the government of India conferred him with the Padma Vibhushan. He was also bestowed with the World Food Price, the Ramon Magsaysay award for Community Leadership, the Carnegie – Wateler World Peace Prize and the International Person of the Year award from the U.S. Today, the small city of Anand is world renowned and they credit Kurien for making it the milk capital of India.

Amul which was started by Verghese is today the nation’s leading milk producer in the country. There are more organisations started by the pioneer which includes Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation, IRMA and NDDB. His commendable works got him praises from the then Prime Minister of India, Lal Bahadur Shastri who appointed him as the founder chairman of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in 1965.

Dr Verghese Kurien passed away on September 9, 2012 in Gujarat.

Tips to keep in mind while purchasing milk

• Buy milk and milk products only from reputed and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Purchase only those milk and milk products whose packages clearly mention details pertaining to manufacturing and expiry date, contact details of the manufacturing facility or company.

• When buying packaged milk, check for the expiry date, which is usually stamped at the top of the carton/ body of pouch. Make sure the date hasn't already passed (most grocery stores ensure their stock is up-to-date) and then decide whether you will be able to finish the milk within a few days before the expiry date.

• Buy milk in smaller quantities if you're not sure of using it immediately or use it within three days from the date of purchase, if stored well.

• Do not buy puffed or leaked packets of milk.

Easy ways to prevent spoilage of milk, and ensuring lasting quality

• Milk should never be left out on the kitchen counter or table for extended periods of time.
• Milk should be stored in the refrigerator. The refrigerator should be set between 3.5 and 4.5 degrees Celsius, or as cold as possible without freezing your fruits and vegetables.

• If you have a second refrigerator that isn't opened as regularly, storing milk there, before it is used, can also extend its life. This would prevent development or growth of bacteria.

•  If your milk pack is nearing its expiration date, you can consider freezing it or planning some recipes like pudding, cream soups or oatmeal to use it up. Please remember that milk will expand when it's frozen, so be sure to leave room in the container to prevent it from bursting.

• Store milk on the refrigerator shelves where it is cooler, rather than in the refrigerator doors.

• Avoid exposing milk to light, as light destroys certain vitamins, such as vitamin D and riboflavin.

• Remember to open new milk containers in the same order in which you bought them - first in the fridge, first out