Amul, India’s beloved dairy brand, nearly didn’t bear its current name. When Dr. Verghese Kurien and his team were tasked with naming the brand, they faced significant challenges. Marketing experts advised against using an Indian name, believing that foreign-sounding names would be more appealing to Indian consumers. However, Dr. Kurien was adamant about using an Indian name. He chose “Amul,” a combination of “Anand Milk Union Limited” and the Sanskrit word “Amulya,” meaning “priceless” or “invaluable.” This name was more than just a brand label; it reflected Kurien’s dream of creating a self-reliant dairy industry in India, where farmers had control over their milk production and distribution.
Despite the marketing team’s resistance, Dr. Kurien persisted, and his choice of name has become iconic. Amul has since transformed from a small cooperative in Anand, Gujarat, to a symbol of India’s dairy industry. The brand’s success is a testament to the power of vision, determination, and belief in Indian-made products. Today, Amul is one of the largest dairy brands in the world and an emblem of India’s self-sufficiency and growth in the global market.
The choice of the name “Amul” has been widely acknowledged, with many praising Dr. Kurien’s persistence and vision. The brand has become an integral part of millions of households across India, and its story has been shared on social media, with users commenting on the Kurien video, with one user writing, “Legendary story.” Dr. Kurien’s legacy continues to inspire, and his choice of name for Amul has become an important part of Indian history and culture.