It gives me immense pride to share that the Indian Dairy Association (IDA), through its Head Office, Zones, and State Chapters, celebrated World Milk Day 2025 with unmatched enthusiasm and purpose. Aligned with the global theme "Let's Celebrate the Power of Dairy," the celebrations captured the essence of what dairy represents-health, nutrition, livelihood, and sustainability. At the IDA Head Office in Delhi, in collaboration with the North Zone and the Western UP Chapter, a vibrant event brought together thought leaders and stakeholders to reflect on the economic, nutritional, and policy dimensions of the dairy sector. I had the privilege of delivering the keynote address virtually, emphasizing the remarkable journey of India's dairy sector-from a marginal contributor to the world's largest milk producerand its growing role in national nutrition and rural empowerment.

Across India, the celebrations echoed with similar zeal. In Tamil Nadu, student-led initiatives such as debates, poster competitions, and culinary exhibitions infused creativity and awareness among youth. Punjab hosted a technical seminar focusing on dairy nutrition and milk quality, engaging stakeholders from the grassroots level. Kerala conducted a four-day program rich in academic and cultural activities-ranging from expert lectures to a dairy-themed fashion show-that showcased the deep interlinkage between milk, health, heritage, and innovation. In Mumbai, the IDA (West Zone) organized public outreach programs at Juhu Beach and Borivali, engaging citizens through expert talks, myth-busting sessions, and distribution of dairy products, in collaboration with local cooperatives and Mumbai Grahak Panchayat.

In Telangana, World Milk Day was marked by community outreach programs, product launches, and the distribution of dairy products to underserved populations-blending awareness with social responsibility. The IDA (South Zone) organized a national symposium alongside the celebrations, offering deep dives into areas such as fodder development, reproductive technologies, traceability, and export potential. Similarly, Haryana focused on educating schoolchildren about the nutritional value of milk, reinforcing its importance in a balanced diet. Jharkhand's celebrations were rooted in themes of farmer empowerment, sustainable development, and consumer awareness, reflecting the evolving ecosystem of dairyled rural development.

What ties all these diverse initiatives together is IDA's core mission-to elevate India's dairy sector through education, innovation, and inclusive collaboration. What stood out this year was the active participation of youth, entrepreneurs, researchers, and policymakers-each contributing uniquely to the evolving dairy narrative.

However, even as we celebrate our milestones, we must remain vigilant about emerging challenges that could undermine the integrity of the dairy sector. A recent development on this front has been the release of a consultation paper by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), proposing regulatory guidelines for "Dairy Analogues"-plant-based products that mimic dairy items in appearance, taste, and function. While innovation and dietary diversity must be welcomed, they should not come at the cost of consumer trust, nutritional transparency, and the livelihoods of India's 80 million dairy farmers.

In response, the IDA submitted detailed comments and a formal letter to the CEO of FSSAI. We strongly advocated that traditional dairy nomenclature-terms such as milk, curd, butter, paneer, ghee, and cheese-must remain exclusive to products derived from animal milk. Even when prefixed with words like "Non-dairy" or "Analogue," using these terms for plant-based substitutes violates regulatory norms and misleads consumers about the true nature and nutritional content of such products.

To prevent this confusion, IDA has recommended that analogues be clearly labelled with statements like "This is a plant-based product. Does not contain milk." We've also suggested that these products be visually distinctthrough different colour codes, logos, or packaging formats-so consumers can easily distinguish between real dairy and its alternatives. Furthermore, we urged FSSAI to mandate nutritional disclosures that compare analogues with real dairy, especially where these substitutes fall short in bioavailable protein, calcium, or essential vitamins.

Our position is supported by scientific evidence: most plant-based analogues lack the comprehensive nutrient profile of dairy. While these alternatives can serve specific dietary needs, equating them with milk can mislead consumers, particularly in vulnerable segments like children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

Another significant concern is the increasing use of dairythemed marketing for non-dairy products-such as packaging with milk splashes, cow imagery, or designs closely resembling dairy brands. These visual cues can easily confuse consumers and blur the lines between genuine and substitute products. IDA has urged FSSAI to discourage such practices in the interest of truthful advertising and consumer protection.

Beyond health and regulation, the socio-economic dimensions of this issue cannot be overlooked. India's dairy sector is a cornerstone of rural development and women's empowerment. Most of our milk is produced by small and marginal farmers, often supported by cooperative models that ensure daily income and financial inclusion. Any weakening of regulatory safeguards around dairy could jeopardize their livelihoods and destabilize an industry that has long served as a safety net for rural India.

We also drew attention to global precedents. Regulators in the European Union, United States, and several other countries have already enforced restrictions on the misuse of dairy terminology by analogue products. India must similarly ensure that our regulatory frameworks preserve consumer clarity without stifling innovation. We have expressed our willingness to support FSSAI by joining any technical or expert committee formed to guide policy formulation on this subject.

While on the subject of safeguarding the sector's dignity, I must address another recent concern. An international animal rights group launched a controversial campaign comparing cow's milk consumption to dog's milk through a sensationalist billboard. Though such campaigns claim to provoke critical thinking, they often disregard cultural context, economic realities, and scientific facts. In India, milk is not just a dietary choice-it is an integral part of our daily lives, traditions, and festivals. It is offered in temples, consumed in rituals, and revered in stories passed down generations. Comparing it to dog's milk is not only culturally insensitive but also socially and scientifically misplaced.

We welcome meaningful discussions on improving animal welfare, and we acknowledge that ethical concerns must shape modern food systems. But vilifying an entire sector without appreciating its context serves no constructive purpose. Instead, the Indian dairy industry is already undergoing transformative changeadopting better welfare practices, investing in sustainable technologies, and prioritizing traceability and quality control. Constructive collaboration, not provocation, is what we need now.

As President of the IDA, I assure you that we remain unwavering in our commitment to ethical, inclusive, and sustainable dairy development. We will continue to engage with regulators, scientists, farmers, and consumers to ensure the Indian dairy sector remains robust, transparent, and globally respected. Our mission remains rooted in purity, productivity, and progress.

Let us not allow sensationalism or regulatory ambiguity to undermine the hard-earned trust of our consumers or the quiet dignity of millions who wake up every day to ensure that milk-India's white gold-reaches every home. Together, we must continue to protect and promote this vital sector that nourishes the body, sustains livelihoods, and honors a legacy.