Guwahati, March 12, 2025: Recognizing the crucial role of Assam’s farmers in the milk revolution, the state government on March 9 announced the Assam Gaurav Award for Bharat Kalita, a dairy farmer and president of Kamdhenu Dugdha Utpadak Samabay Samiti of Nityananda in Bajali.
The dairy cooperative affiliated to West Assam Milk Producers’ Co-operative Union Ltd (WAMUL), which operates under the brand name Purabi Dairy, was mentioned as a pioneer in milk revolution by Assam chief minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma in his press briefing on Sunday evening.
“Acknowledging the role played by the farmers of Bajali in the milk revolution of the state, we are presenting the Assam Gaurav Award to Bharat Kalita for his pivotal role in this achievement. People in Bajali already recognise Kalita as Assam’s (Verghese) Kurien,” the chief minister said.
Last year, the Kamdhenu Dugdha Utpadak Samabay Samiti under WAMUL, won the prestigious National Gopal Ratna Award 2024 for Best Dairy Cooperative Society under the Special NER category. The award was given by the Central government.
The Kamdhenu Dugdha Utpadak Samabay Samiti at Nityanand started milk collection on August 1, 2007 with around 70 litres of milk. At present, the society provides around 4,500-7,000 litres of milk to Purabi Dairy.
Thanking the state government for this huge honour, Bharat Kalita, who is also a managing committee member of WAMUL said, “I feel honoured to be bestowed this prestigious award by the Government of Assam. This has been possible due to Purabi Dairy guided by NDDB which has been a driving force in Assam’s dairy revolution and of course all the dairy farmers. I am now confident that the milk revolution started under our brand Purabi will grow significantly.”
Dr. Meenesh Shah, Chairman NDDB, and Chairman WAMUL Management Committee, extended his best compliments to Kalita for this prestigious award.
Congratulating Kalita, Sameer Kumar Parida, Managing Director WAMUL, said: “Bharat Kalita’s dedication and leadership have significantly transformed the dairy sector in Bajali. His efforts have enhanced milk production while also empowering countless farmers, ensuring sustainable growth for the dairy industry. Kalita is also a management committee member of WAMUL thus contributing significantly to the development of the dairy cooperative through his valuable inputs.”
Commenting on his close association with Bharat Kalita, Satya Brata Bose, Managing Director NEDFL, said: “I have witnessed Bharat Kalita’s unwavering commitment to dairy farming over the years. His vision and hard work have strengthened cooperative dairy farming in the region, inspiring many to follow in his footsteps.”
On behalf of Purabi family, SB Bose also expressed his gratitude to the Government of Assam led by Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma for supporting cooperative dairying in a big way and acknowledging the role of dairy farmers like Bharat Kalita.