Verghese Kurien: I Too Had a Dream
NoteWhat This Chapter Covers
The last chapter of Unit 2: Values and Dispositions is a non-fiction letter written by Dr Verghese Kurien, the “Father of the White Revolution,” to his grandson Siddharth. Looking back on his life, Kurien reflects on why he prefers letters to quick mobile messages, on the big choices he made — turning away from metallurgy, the army, and a comfortable life abroad to serve the farmers of Anand, Gujarat — and on the values that guided him: integrity, honesty, humility, and service. Through his story we meet Amul and Operation Flood, and we learn his belief that the greatest failure is to waste a life without helping others. You will study the letter, its vocabulary, and useful grammar.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
- explain who Verghese Kurien was and why he is remembered;
- describe the life choices he made and the values behind them;
- explain the theme — a life of integrity and service — and the message of the letter;
- recognise the features of an informal letter;
- use connectors of contrast and modals of advice, and the chapter’s vocabulary.