Analyzing the Appointment of Varghese Kurien as NDDB Chairman

This question asks about the significant appointment of Varghese Kurien as the Chairman of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).

Varghese Kurien, often called the "Father of India's White Revolution," played a crucial role in transforming India's dairy sector. His work led to a massive increase in milk production, making India the world's largest milk producer.

The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) was established to support and promote the dairy industry in India. Its creation was a key step towards implementing nationwide dairy development programs.

Let's look at the options provided:

• Lal Bahadur Shastri: Was the Prime Minister of India from 1964 to 1966.
• Gulzarilal Nanda: Served as interim Prime Minister twice and was a prominent politician.
• Indira Gandhi: Was the Prime Minister of India for several terms, including after Lal Bahadur Shastri.
• V V Giri: Served as the fourth President of India from 1969 to 1974.

Historically, the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) was established in 1965. At that time, the Prime Minister of India was Lal Bahadur Shastri. It was Lal Bahadur Shastri who recognized the potential of Varghese Kurien's work at the Kaira District Co-operative Milk Producers' Union Ltd. (Amul) and entrusted him with the responsibility of heading the newly formed NDDB to replicate the success of Amul across the country.

Therefore, Varghese Kurien was appointed as the Chairman of the National Dairy Development Board by the then Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri.

Examining the Options

• Lal Bahadur Shastri: Correct. He was the Prime Minister when NDDB was founded in 1965 and made the appointment.
• Gulzarilal Nanda: Incorrect. While a significant political figure, he was not the Prime Minister at the time of NDDB's formation and Kurien's appointment as Chairman.
• Indira Gandhi: Incorrect. She became Prime Minister after Lal Bahadur Shastri's tenure.
• V V Giri: Incorrect. He served as President later and was not the Prime Minister responsible for establishing NDDB or appointing its first Chairman.

The historical records confirm that Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri appointed Varghese Kurien as the first Chairman of the National Dairy Development Board in 1965.

Revision Table: Key Facts

Additional Information on NDDB and White Revolution

The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) was instrumental in launching and managing Operation Flood, also known as the White Revolution. This program aimed to create a nationwide milk grid, linking milk producers to consumers across India, reducing dependency on imports, and increasing rural incomes.

Key aspects of Operation Flood:

• Creating dairy cooperatives at the village level.
• Connecting these cooperatives to milk unions and federations.
• Establishing infrastructure for milk collection, processing, and distribution.
• Providing veterinary services, animal nutrition, and extension services to farmers.

Varghese Kurien's leadership was pivotal in the success of this program, making India a dairy powerhouse.