2.3 Verghese Kurien – I Too Had a Dream - Class 8 - Poorvi (New)

Author: Dr Verghese Kurien

Textbook: Poorvi – Grade 8

Genre: Autobiographical Reflection / Letter

Summary

I Too Had a Dream is an inspiring letter by Dr. Verghese Kurien, the architect of India’s White Revolution, written to his grandson Siddharth. In this reflective piece, Kurien emphasises the importance of living with integrity, honesty, and a sense of service. He contrasts short-lived satisfaction from instant communication with the abiding value of written letters, which preserve memories for future generations. He recounts his own life choices—though he had opportunities to pursue metallurgy, join the Indian Army, or settle in the US, he chose to dedicate his life to serving farmers in Anand, Gujarat. Supported by his wife and guided by his mentor Tribhuvandas Patel, Kurien transformed India’s dairy industry. He underlines that true rewards come not from wealth or prestige but from contributing to the common good. The letter conveys the message that life is a privilege, and the greatest failure is to waste it without helping society.

Character Sketch

• Dr. Verghese Kurien

  • Known as the “Father of the White Revolution” for revolutionising India’s dairy sector.

  • Guided by values of honesty, integrity, humility, and service.

  • Sacrificed lucrative career opportunities abroad and in the Army to work for farmers.

  • Grateful to his wife for her unwavering support and to mentor Tribhuvandas Patel for inspiration.

  • Believed in collective effort, always giving credit to teams and communities.

  • Saw life as a privilege, urging youth to contribute meaningfully to society.

    
    

• Mrs. Kurien (Grandmother)

  • Stood by her husband’s decision to live a simple life in Anand.

  • Sacrificed personal comforts, becoming a pillar of strength.

  • Her steadfast support enabled Kurien to shoulder responsibilities with confidence.
    

• Tribhuvandas Patel (Mentor)

  • Strong influence on Kurien’s career and philosophy.

  • Embodied honesty, community service, and simplicity.

  • Encouraged Kurien to dedicate himself to farmers’ welfare.

Themes

Literary / Stylistic Devices

Title Justification

The title I Too Had a Dream is appropriate as it reflects Dr. Verghese Kurien’s vision and dedication to building a stronger India through the cooperative dairy movement. His dream was not personal glory but the empowerment of farmers and eradication of poverty. By choosing service over wealth and prestige, Kurien turned his dream into a collective national achievement. The title captures both his personal aspirations and his lifelong contribution to the nation.

One-Mark Questions

1. Who is the author of the chapter I Too Had a Dream? Answer: The author of the chapter I Too Had a Dream is Dr. Verghese Kurien, the Father of the White Revolution.

2. What career opportunities did Kurien consider before choosing to serve farmers?Answer: Kurien considered pursuing metallurgy, joining the Indian Army, or settling abroad in the United States.

3. Who was the mentor who inspired Kurien in Anand? Answer: The mentor who inspired Kurien in Anand was Tribhuvandas Patel, a leader of dairy farmers.

4. How did Kurien’s wife contribute to his journey? Answer: Kurien’s wife contributed by supporting his decision to live and work in Anand, sacrificing comforts and encouraging him throughout.

5. According to Kurien, what is the real meaning of failure? Answer: According to Kurien, the real meaning of failure is not utilising one’s abilities to serve the common good.

Three-Mark Questions

1. Why did Dr. Kurien value letter-writing over telephonic conversations? Answer: Dr. Kurien valued letter-writing because letters preserve thoughts and emotions that can be revisited, offering abiding pleasure. Telephonic conversations, though instant, are momentary. Letters also serve as a record for future generations, making them more meaningful.

2. What were the important career choices before Dr. Kurien, and why did he reject them? Answer: The career choices before Dr. Kurien were metallurgy, the Indian Army, and a lucrative career abroad. He rejected them because he felt a deeper calling to serve farmers in Anand, Gujarat. This choice gave him an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the nation.

3. How did Kurien highlight the role of his wife and mentor in his life? Answer: Kurien highlighted that his wife gave him constant support and strength in Anand, while his mentor Tribhuvandas Patel instilled in him values of service and honesty. Together, their support helped him remain firm in his decision to dedicate his life to farmers.

4. What values guided Dr. Kurien’s life and work? Answer: The values guiding Dr. Kurien’s life were integrity, honesty, humility, and dedication to the common good. He stressed that personal integrity—being honest with oneself—was most important. These values shaped his career and inspired his contributions to society.

5. What message does Dr. Kurien give to the younger generation in his letter?Answer: Dr. Kurien urges the younger generation to treat life as a privilege and not waste it. He advises them to use their talents for the greater good, contribute to society, and find joy in service. He emphasises that true rewards in life come from meaningful contributions.

Value-Based Question

Q. What moral lessons can today’s youth learn from Dr. Verghese Kurien’s life as described in I Too Had a Dream? Answer: Today’s youth can learn that true success lies in integrity, humility, and service to society. Kurien’s life teaches that personal ambition must be balanced with responsibility to the community. His sacrifices remind us that happiness is not found in wealth but in meaningful contributions. Students should learn to use their skills for the common good and treat life as a privilege to be honoured with action.

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