Amul Girl weeps for first time

Paying homage to father of white revolution in India Dr Verghese Kurien, who catapulted India from being a milk-deficient country to the world's largest milk producer, 'Amul's' mascot for the first time ever was seen weeping (since 1964) in an advertisement released.

"Thank You For Giving us Hausla, Pragati & Anand...Dr V Kurien 1912-2012," the ad released by Amul's advertising agency DaCunah Communications read.

The ad shows the young iconic Muppet, usually attired in polka dot frock and shown smiling, draped in a saree and weeping, with two ladies standing alongside. It was released on the official website of Gujarat
Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), thanking the 'Father of White Revolution' for his contributions.

Kurien, who passed away yesterday, played a key role in formation of Amul, which broke the local trade cartel 65 years ago, paving way for the dairy co-operative sector to flourish in Gujarat. He served GCMMF from 1973 to 2006.

"The Amul ad-campaign was started by Dr Verghese Kurien way back in 1964-65, when he gave a free hand to Slyvster da Cunha, the owner of ad agency," R S Sodhi, Managing Director, GCMMF, told PTI. "Continuing the tradition in true spirit of Amul this ad pays homage to Dr V Kurien," he said.

Amul, which began its journey with just two village dairy co-operative societies and 247 litres of milk, has grown to be a Rs 11,668 crore brand with milk collection of 3.88 billion litres in 2011-12. Today, GCMMF, which markets its dairy products under brand Amul, has emerged as India's largest integrated dairy products manufacturing and marketing organisation.