News– The Lok Sabha has approved a Bill to establish Tribhuvan Sahkari University in Anand, Gujarat.
About Tribhuvandas Patel
- Tribhuvandas Patel is considered the “father of the cooperative movement” in India.
- He was pivotal in founding the Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union (KDCMPUL) in 1946, which later became Amul.
- Verghese Kurien was brought into the cooperative movement by Patel, leading to the White Revolution.
- He was an active participant in India’s freedom struggle, being a disciple of Mahatma Gandhi and involved in movements like the Salt Satyagraha and campaigns against untouchability.
- He set up Amul as a revolt against the exploitation of farmers by the Polson Dairy in Anand, Gujarat.
- His leadership was crucial in building the first milk powder and butter plant in India in 1955.
- He played a significant role in the establishment of key institutions like the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA), and the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation.
- He was also a two-time Rajya Sabha MP and received the Padma Bhushan and Ramon Magsaysay Award for his contributions to community leadership.
- He founded the Tribhuvandas Foundation to support community health after retiring from Amul.
