© All rights reserved

February 2013

NDRI Publication No. 90/2013

Concept Prof. A. K. Srivastava

Director, NDRI

Planning & Dr. (Mrs.) Meena Malik

Preparation Dr. Rajan Sharma

Dr. Y. S. Rajput

Published by Director, NDRI, Karnal

Printing Intech Printers & Publishers 353, Mughal Canal Market, Karnal Tel. 0184-4043541, 3292951

PREFACE

National Dairy Research Institute is the premier Dairy Research Institution in the country.

Looking at the present monumental set-up of the National Dairy Research Institute,

the Premier Institution of Dairying in Asia, one just cannot dispense with the historical way of

looking at its pristine grandeur. The foundation stone of the edifice of National Dairy Research

Institute was laid with the establishment of Imperial Institute for Animal Husbandry & Dairying

at Bangalore on July 1, 1923. The Institute at its early stage at Bangalore was established primarily

as a centre for Dairy Education. A two-year training course for the award of Indian Diploma in

Dairying (IDD) was started at the Institute and later several other courses were added. In 1936,

it was expanded and renamed as Imperial Dairy Institute.

The most important event in the history of the Imperial Institute for Animal Husbandry &

Dairying was the training imparted to Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in

1927. They came to the Institute for study training and to get acquainted with modern methods

of cattle management. Both of them spent two weeks discussing and learning the technicalities

and complexities of problems pertaining to cows and buffaloes in India. Gandhiji was highly

appreciative of the most productive crossbred cow ‘Jill’ of the institute. He held several discussions

on the problems of Pinjrapoles, which housed low producing, mostly sterile cows and other dairy

stock mainly on humanitarian grounds. Mahatma Gandhi evinced great interest in the work

of the Institute and wrote several articles in `Young India’ and `Harijan’ on the importance of

dairying and scientific cattle management. Gandhiji’s thinking and views had a great impact on the

political leaders of the time and particularly on the policy decisions of the Government of India

soon after Independence in 1947, in the formulation of Key Village Scheme, Gosamvardhana

Council and intensive Cattle Development Programmes. It is not unreasonable to link the

start of the cooperative movement in milk production in the area where Gandhiji and Sardar

Vallabhbhai Patel were based in Gujarat and Kaira District in Gujarat with the visits of Gandhiji

to Bangalore. The political support derived by Amul through stalwarts/political leaders such as

Sardar Patel, Tribhuvandas Patel and others is a matter well recognized by everyone today. Thus,

the institute at Bangalore contributed the technical content through top political leadership for

the sound foundations on which the dairy industry came to be gradually built.

In 1955, the Institute Headquarters were shifted to Karnal, and it was rechristened as National

Dairy Research Institute. The Institute was brought under the wings of the Indian Council

of Agricultural Research in 1966 in order to provide greater operational autonomy in research

management functions. The first formal Dairy Technology course was started in India at NDRI

in 1957.

An important milestone in the history of NDRI was added in 1989 when the Institute was

conferred the status of Deemed University for further strengthening the academic programmes

for human resource development. In 1994, the Institute got recognition as a Centre of Advanced

Studies in Dairy Technology and Dairy Cattle Breeding disciplines to further strengthen the

research and training components.

The Institute, with its two regional stations, Bangalore in south and Kalyani in eastern India,

conducts research in the areas of dairy production, processing and management and provides

high quality education in the field of dairying, which has no parallel in Asia.

The present shape and structure of this Institution owes a lot to the contributions of the great

visionaries and distinguished Directors of this Institute. As the country’s premier Dairy Research

Institution, NDRI has developed considerable expertise during the last nine decades in different

areas of Dairy Production, Processing, Management and Human Resource Development.

Information generated at the Institute and services offered have contributed to the growth of

Dairy Industry on the whole and well being of millions of milk producers and consumers of

milk and milk products. Realizing the challenging need of globalized Dairy Trade, the Institute

is continuously working to develop its R&D and HRD programmes to better serve the nation in

terms of food security, employment generation, and poverty alleviation.

The present publication highlights some of the memorable moments in the journey of NDRI

during the last Nine Decades (1923 – 2013). Some of the photographs are of historical

importance and provide nostalgic moments. This is a way to commemorate the efforts of past

directors of NDRI and leadership of country in shaping this Institute. I am sure those associated

with the NDRI will feel proud by going through these historical moments.

(A. K. Srivastava)

1

Imperial Institute of Animal Husbandry & Dairying established at Bangalore in 1923

Mahatma Gandhi visited Imperial Institute for Animal Husbandry & Dairying,

Bangalore in 1927

National Dairy Research Institute is now nine decades old. Like any other great Institution, NDRI has a great history. The birth of this magnificent Institute has been a stepping stone for the advancement of Dairy Education and Research in the country since the last millennium. The foundation stone of the edifice of National Dairy Research Institute was laid with the establishment of Imperial Institute for Animal Husbandry & Dairying at Bangalore on July 1, 1923. Mr. William Smith was the first Director of the Institute.

Genesis of the Institute...

2

Mahatma Gandhi Ji interacting with Mr. William Smith, Director of Imperial Dairy Research Institute,

Bangalore (1927)

Mahatma Gandhi Ji with Mr. William Smith, Director of Imperial Dairy Research Institute,

Bangalore (1927)

Mahatma Gandhi Ji and Pandit Madan Mohan Malwiya at Imperial Dairy Research

Institute, Bangalore (1927)

The most important event in the history of the Imperial Institute for Animal Husbandry & Dairying was the training imparted to Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in 1927. They came to the Institute for study training and to get acquainted with modern methods of cattle management. Both of them spent two weeks discussing and learning the technicalities and complexities of problems pertaining to cows and buffaloes in India. Gandhiji was highly appreciative of the most productive crossbred cow ‘Jill’ of the institute.

Father of Nation at the Institute...

3

The headquarter

of the Institute

was shifted from

Bangalore to

Karnal in June

1955 and renamed

as National Dairy

Research Institute.

August, 1955-NDRI Foundation Stone Laying Function: Shri P. N. Thapar, Shri Pratap Singh Kairon (Then Chief Minister

of Punjab) , Shri Bhimsen Sachar & Shri Ajit Prasad Jain (from left to right)

Dr. K. K. Iya, Former Director NDRI with K. P. A. Menon, ICAR Secretary and Dr. C. M. Singh, Director IVRI at NDRI Guest House (1967)

Establishment of NDRI at Karnal...

4

Prime Minister of India Smt. Indira Gandhi at NDRI on 21st November, 1970. Director of Institute,

Dr. D. Sundaresan is also seen in the photo (extreme left)

Prime Minister of India Smt. Indira Gandhi at NDRI with Crossbred Cow (Karan Swiss) - developed at NDRI

Prime Minister Shri Jawahar Lal Nehru presenting Championship Cup to NDRI at All India Cattle Show

Since its inception, NDRI has attracted

the attention of great leaders of India.

In 1971, Dr. D. Sundaresan took over

the reins of the Institute as its Director

for more than a decade. The Institute

flourished enormously during this

era. A landmark of this era was the

development of two strains of cattle,

namely Karan Swiss and Karan Fries

by crossbreeding. Administrative

efficiency remained at peak during

Dr. Sundaresan’s tenure.

The Institute Captures Attention of the Leaders of the Nation...

5

The Institute completed 50 years of its existence and celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 1973 at Southern Regional Station, Bangalore.

The then President of India Shri. V. V. Giri visited the Institute.

The Institute Captures Attention of the Leaders of the Nation...

Shri V. V. Giri, President of India inaugurating a Research Laboratory during Golden Jubilee Celebration (1973).

Dr. M. S. Swaminathan is also seen in the picture (extreme left)

Maharaja of Mysore visiting Institute at BangaloreDr. P. Bhattacharya, Former President Indian Dairy Science

Association (IDSA) planting a sapling at NDRI Premises. Also seen in photo is Dr . D. Sundaresan Director NDRI

6

Sh. Chandra Shekhar Ji at NDRI Cattle Yard. Also seen in the picture is Dr. D. Sundaresan, Director NDRI

(extreme left)

Shri Buta Singh, Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development at the Institute. Dr. R. Nagarcenkar, Director NDRI is also seen in the picture

The Great Leaders of India evinced great interest in the activities of NDRI. The foundation stone of the Institute auditorium was laid by

Shri Buta Singh, Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development in 1985.

Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, former Prime Minister of India showing interest in dairy products of NDRI

The Institute Captures Attention of the Leaders of the Nation...

7

The present shape and structure of NDRI owes a lot to the contributions of the great

visionaries and distinguished Directors of this Institute.

Nostalgic Moments...

A Group photo of Faculty and the staff with legendary Directors of NDRI

NDRI Directors during the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations (1983-84). Seen in picture Dr. R. Nagarcenkar,

Dr. D. Sundaresan, Dr. N. N. Dastur & Dr. K. K. IyaInauguration of Experimental Dairy, NDRI, Karnal in 1961

8

HRD Programmes of NDRI Get the Boost...

The Institute was granted Deemed University status by the then Union Minister for Agriculture, Sh. Bhajan Lal (1989). Then NDRI Director

Dr. R. Nagarcenkar is also seen in the picture

An important milestone in the history of NDRI was added in 1989 when the Institute was conferred the status of Deemed University for further strengthening the academic programmes for human resource development.

NDRI Undergraduate Students working in Dairy Microbiology Laboratory (1989)

Dutch Barn,1st structure for class rooms at NDRI, Karnal - 1957

9

Former President of India, Hon’ble Shri Abdul Kalam Azad giving degrees to NDRI Students during 8th Convocation (2010)

Dr. Amrita Patel, Chairperson NDDB receiving Honorary Degree of Doctorate of Science during Fourth Convocation

of NDRI on 23rd December, 2000

Convocation of NDRI Deemed University has been made an annual regular feature. From the year 2010, NDRI has been organizing Academic Week prior to Convocation by organizing a series of academic events such as (i) Memorial lectures, (ii) Presentation of academic achievements and innovations in teaching by different Heads of Divisions, (iii) Selection of students for Best Thesis Awards.

Shri Balram Jhakhar, Former Union Minister for Agriculture during 1st Convocation of NDRI Deemed University

Academic Laurels: Dreams Realised...

10

Father of White Revolution at NDRI...

Dr. Verghese Kurien during Golden Jubilee Celebrations at Southern Regional Station, Bangalore in 1973

Shri Chaturanan Mishra, Union Minister for Agriculture & Dr. Verghese Kurien during the inauguration of

Model Dairy Plant at NDRI (1997)

Dr. Verghese Kurien and Shri Chaturanan Mishra, Union Minister for Agriculture and Dr. R. S. Paroda, Former Secretary, DARE & Director

General, ICAR at Model Dairy Plant, NDRI

The Father of White Revolution in India - Dr. Verghese Kurien was an alumnus of NDRI. He underwent nine months of specialized training in Dairy Engineering at the Imperial Institute of Dairying at Bangalore. Later, he inaugurated the Model Dairy Plant established at NDRI in 1996 on turnkey basis by the National Dairy Development Board.

11

Dignitaries visiting NDRI...

Dr. Norman Borlaug interacting with the Scientists of NDRI (2001). Also Seen in picture is Dr. B. N. Mathur (extreme left)

Hon’ble Sh. S. M. Krishna, Chief Minister of Karnataka state unveiling the statue of Mahatma Gandhi with Jill Cow

Dr. N. C. Ganguli and Dr. S. K. Gupta interacting with the scientist from New Zealand Dairy Research Institute

The Institute attracted many distinguished

visitors from different parts of the world.

Nobel Laureate and Father of Green

Revolution, Dr. Norman Ernest

Borlaug visited NDRI in 2001 and addressed the scientists of NDRI and other Institutes

of ICAR located at Karnal.

12

Shri Sharad Pawar , Union Minister for Agriculture at NDRI Cattle Yard (2007)

The Institute possesses an elite herd of dairy animals, which mainly include cattle and buffaloes. The Institute herd serves as a nucleus stock of superior germplasm for its propagation and dissemination to various agencies. It also caters to the requirement of milk and experimental animals for various research projects. Southern Regional Station of NDRI is maintaining a herd of Deoni cattle, an important dual purpose indigenous breed of Southern India.

Release of NDRI Signature during 10th Convocation (Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR; Hon’ble Shri Abdul

Kalam Azad, Former President of India; Prof. A. K. Srivastava, Director NDRI)

Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR inspecting Deoni Cattle Farm at Southern Regional Station, NDRI Bangalore (2012)

Dignitaries visiting NDRI...

13

Dr. Mangala Rai, Former Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR, Inaugurating Animal Biotechnology Building at NDRI (2007)

Rechristening of Auditorium as Dr. D. Sundaresan Auditorium by Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR (2010)

A state-of-the-art bio-

technology research facility was

created in 2007 to consolidate

the biotechnology research at

NDRI. Another landmark added

to the infrastructure of the

Institute was the setting up of

an auditorium having seating

capacity of 950 and 4 conference

rooms. This state of the art

auditorium was rechristened as

Dr. D. Sundaresan Auditorium in

March 2010.

Dignitaries visiting NDRI...

14

Shri Sharad Pawar, Union Minister for Agriculture and Dr. Mangala Rai, Former Secretary, DARE & Director General,

ICAR at Model Dairy Plant, NDRI (2006)

Farm Women in unison with NDRI Staff on World Milk Day on June 1, 2009

Dignitaries visiting NDRI...

15

An aerial view of Campus of Eastern Regional Station, NDRI, Kalyani (West Bangal)

Animal Husbandry Minister with Dr. S. C. Sarma, Director NDRI at Eastern Regional Station, Kalyani

Dr. I. S. Verma, Director NDRI interacting with faculty and the staff at Eastern Regional Station, Kalyani

Eastern Regional Station of NDRI...

The Eastern Regional Station was established at the Central Dairy in Calcutta in 1964 and was shifted to Kalyani, Nadia district during 1966 and was located in the Administrative Building of Kalyani University. The Regional Animal Nutrition Research Centre of the ICAR till then located at Haringhata, West Bengal, was merged with the Eastern Regional Station of NDRI with effect from June 1, 1968. In 1978 the Government of West Bengal granted 100 acres of land at Kalyani where cattle sheds, forage unit, staff quarters etc. were gradually built up. The Station built its own laboratory building and the entire station started functioning within the same campus from May, 1987.