By Admin,

Milk Awareness Campaign Organized by IDA, Gujarat & AMUL Dairy at Anand

IDA Gujarat State Chapter in association with AMUL Dairy, Anand organized "Milk Awareness Campaign" on July 26, 2024 at Sardar Patel Auditorium, AMUL Dairy. This initiative aimed to educate college students about the nutritional and ethical values of milk and counter unscientific criticisms and emerging plant-based drink propaganda.

Dr. Preeti Shukla, DM- HR (ARDA) & CSR, the Organizing Secretary of the event welcomed dignitaries and participants and briefed about the objectives of this campaign.

In his inaugural speech, Dr. Amit Vyas, Chairman, IDA Gujarat State Chapter and Managing Director, AMUL dairy, Anand, emphasized the importance of milk awareness, highlighting milk and milk products as integral to our culture, and encouraged embracing the "GOODNESS of milk." He referenced Ayurvedic texts to underscore the benefits of milk and milk products in our diet and their role in treating various diseases. Dr. Vyas also provided insights into cooperative movements and AI-integrated approaches initiated by AMUL dairy, showcasing AMUL's growth as a leading FMCG brand and how Dairying in India is not simply a business, but a model of livelihood for millions of farmers.

Dr. Himanshu Pandya, Dean, Pramukh Swami Medical College, Karamsad, Anand, the Guest of Honour, supported Dr. Vyas's views on the dietary importance of milk and advocated for renewing culturally rooted diet plans and eating habits. He also referred to the importance of Ghee, a fat rich milk product in our rituals and traditional foods.

The Chief Guest of the Program, Dr. N.H. Kelawala, Vice Chancellor, Kamdhenu University, Gandhinagar acclaimed that milk is a 'Complete food'. He argued that Milk is a secretion from mammary gland of Milch animals and hence, the use of word 'Milk' in plant-based beverages is completely misleading the consumer.

Dr. K.D. Aparnathi, former Professor & Head, Dairy Chemistry Department, SMC College of Dairy Science, Anand, presented on the "Value of Milk in Human Nutrition," detailing the chemical composition of milk and its nutritional components, such as protein, fat, and lactose.

Dr. J.B. Prajapati, Chairman, IDA (WZ) spoke on the "Role of Milk Products in Human Health," citing research studies that shows consumption of milk and especially fermented milk products like dahi in ancient treatises. He presented a review of scientific studies conducted in various countries with lakhs of participants that depicts how milk promotes growth, improve bone strength, reduce the risk of diabetes, hypertension, and other metabolic syndromes and reduce mortality. He concluded that milk consumption enhances overall health and longevity.

Shri Divyesh Butala, from Prompt presented on the topic 'Retaining the quality of milk' and Mr. Shakti Choube from Craftsman, Automation also gave a presentation about their organization.

The event concluded with Dr. Amit Patel, Secretary, IDA Gujarat State Chapter, proposing a vote of thanks. The program was sponsored by Prompt Equipment Pvt. Ltd.; Sun Enviro Technologies Pvt. Ltd.; ABC Process Solutions Pvt. Ltd.; Sesco India Renewable Energies Pvt. Ltd.; and Diya Industries. The program was followed by "Amul Darshan" a technical visit to Amul Dairy plant for the participants.

Over 1300 students from various colleges in Anand and Vallabh Vidyanagar attended for the program.