India, April 14 -- The life of Niu Gensheng, known as China's "Dairy Godfather," is a testament to resilience and ambition. Once sold for just 50 yuan ( Rs.600) as a baby, the 67-year-old is now at the helm of a multi-billion yuan empire that spans from China's vast grasslands to the streets of Jakarta, reported South China Morning Post.

Niu is the founder of Mengniu Dairy, one of China's largest dairy companies, and the visionary behind Aice, a hugely popular ice cream brand across Southeast Asia.

Born into poverty in Inner Mongolia, Niu was given away by his struggling parents shortly after birth. A cattle farmer who adopted him paid 50 yuan (US$7). His early years were shaped by hardship-when he was eight, his adoptive father lost ev...