India celebrates 26 November, the birthday of Dr Verghese Kurien, as the National Milk Day.

Pune: The dairy cooperative movement inspired by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel led to the formation of Amul in 1946 which was replicated across the country, resulting in India emerging as the largest producer of milk in the world, stated a press release.

It is also a matter of great honour that India is hosting the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA)'s global conference for the first time in its 130 year history at New Delhi from 25-30 November.

The mega global event, on the theme "Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All", is likely to be graced by the Hon Prime Minister of India and Hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation and the event shall officially launch the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025 (IYC2025) in the presence of global leaders, academics and practitioners.

Amul, as the world's largest farmer ownerd dairy cooperative and strongest food and dairy brand in the world plans to celebrate this event by organising four mega car and bike rallies from four corners of India - Himmatnagar in Gujarat, Kolkata in West Bengal, Pune in Maharashtra and Jammu in Jammu & Kashmir ultimately converging in Delhi on 26th November at the National Milk Day celebration organised by the Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India.

A special screening of Amul's national award winning film Manthan will be organised at ICA's Global Conference for all the delegates on 26th November at Bharat Mandapam.

Amul along with its pioneering role in spreading the white revolution aims to be an active participant in India’s go green story. After tasting success with its BioCNG pilot project in Banas Dairy, Gujarat, it is now striving to become a key player in representing the circular economy.

This initiative not only provides farmers with an additional income source but also offers clean fuel and organic fertiliser. By setting up multiple plants across the state for processing dung, it underscores the positive and sustainable impact of this project on both the agricultural and energy sectors.

The four different rallies of 24 Maruti Suzuki bioCNG cars and 24 Bajaj bio CNG bikes driven by the Amul team shall make its way through various states and engage with farmers, dairy cooperatives, and institutions along the route to honour and celebrate the legacy of dairy cooperatives and spread awareness about the principles of circular economy and the importance of sustainability.

The first rally was flagged off at Pune from Bajaj Auto’s new electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Akurdi on 15 November by Shri Rajiv Bajaj, MD of Bajaj Auto Ltd, Ms. Nirmala Kurien, daughter of Dr. Kurien and Dr Jayen Mehta, Managing Director of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. (AMUL).

 Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director, Bajaj Auto Ltd., commented on the initiative, "Bajaj Auto and Amul, both have deep roots in India, and have been a part of the country’s growth and evolution for over 75 years. While Amul continues to nourish billions, Bajaj Auto, as one of the world’s leading makers of two-and-three wheelers, endeavours to pave the way for a cleaner more sustainable mobility. We’re proud to be a part of this association where shared values of innovation and sustainability drive us toward a cleaner, brighter future."

Ms. Nirmala Kurien, said, “My father’s dedicated himself to the cooperative movement. His work was never just about milk – it was about empowering farmers and improving their quality of life. This rally is a meaningful continuation of his work, and it serves as a reminder of the profound impact his legacy continues to have on millions of lives.

Dr Jayen Mehta, said, “ It is a matter of great pride that the success of the dairy cooperative model in India is being replicated across several sectors under the visionary leadership of the new Ministry of Cooperation. The dream of Sahkar se samriddhi will surely be achieved by leveraging the strength of cooperatives."