National Milk Day 2024: History, Origin, and Celebration in Delhi

National Milk Day is celebrated on November 26 every year, marking the birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, who revolutionized India's dairy industry. This day highlights the importance of milk as a healthy beverage and recognizes key contributions to the dairy sector through awards and initiatives.

History and Origin of Milk Day 

Milk Day was first held in 1878 and organized by Dr. John Rose of Chicago, Illinois. Rose launched the initiative to dedicate a day to the significance of milk as a healthy beverage. Children and adults had been consuming milk that was poorly treated or contaminated. National Milk Day is celebrated on 26 November every year. This day is celebrated to remember the birth anniversary of Dr Verghese Kurien, the "Father of the White Revolution" in India, who played an important role in transforming India into the largest milk producer worldwide.

Celebration of National Milk Day

National Milk Day for the year 2024 will be celebrated in Delhi. The occasion would be graced by the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, as the Chief Guest, besides Ministers of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Prof SP Singh Baghel and George Kurian and several other dignitaries.

On this occasion, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh will also confer the prestigious National Gopal Ratna Awards (one of the highest National awards in the livestock and dairy sector) in three categories namely Best Dairy Farmer rearing Indigenous cattle/buffalo breeds, Best Artificial Insemination Technician, and Best Dairy Cooperative Society (DCS)/ Milk Producer Company/ Dairy Farmer Producer Organization from across the country.

The event will include a newly introduced special award in every category, and winners from the North Eastern Region will be conferred. Some of the awardees during the event will share their experiences and offer insights into best practices, innovation, and sustainable approaches that they have adopted in the sector.

This event will also witness the launching of two significant publications. The first one is Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics (BAHS)-2023. The second is a Manual on the Identification of Elite Cows.

National Milk Day serves as a reminder of the pivotal role milk plays in health and nutrition while honouring achievements in India’s dairy sector. With awards and new initiatives, it promotes innovation
and sustainability within the industry, continuing the legacy of Dr. Verghese Kurien’s White Revolution.

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