A strong call to strengthen and expand the cooperative movement in rural India marked the celebration of the 72nd All India Cooperative Week at the Raichur Agriculture University Auditorium on Saturday. The day’s focus on “Tribhuvan Sahakari University Research and Training Transforming Cooperative Education” set a forward-looking tone for the gathering.
The event, organised by the Karnataka State Souharda Federal Cooperative Ltd. (KSSFCL) in collaboration with the Karnataka State Cooperative Federation, the Karnataka State Basaveshwara Media Federation, and a wide network of district-level cooperatives, revolved around the national theme “Cooperatives as Vehicles for Atmanirbhar Bharat”.
The programme began with the hoisting of the cooperative flag by Sindhanur MLA Hampanagouda Badarli, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. Shekargowda Malipatil, former President and currently Director of the Karnataka State Cooperative Federation, welcomed the dignitaries.
A lecture by retired Additional Registrar of Cooperative Societies Guruswamy highlighted the evolution of cooperatives and underscored the need for modern training and administrative reforms. A massive Cooperative Jatha, which saw the participation of more than 1,500 cooperators, added colour and energy to the celebrations. A bike rally and an exhibition of cooperative products and services further showcased the growing presence of the movement in the district.
The central message of the function came from N. S. Boseraju, Minister of Minor Irrigation and Science & Technology, Government of India. Addressing the gathering, he emphasised that cooperative societies must expand deeper into rural areas to sustain economic development and create new livelihoods.
He noted that cooperative institutions in Raichur district have made considerable progress in recent years, offering loan facilities and support to farmers, women, and the general public. Fair pricing of agricultural produce, he said, is essential to strengthening the rural economy, and cooperatives play a crucial role in enabling simple, accessible services for farmers.
Pointing out that several cooperatives had declined or shut down due to mismanagement and lack of innovation, he urged that they be revived and promoted with renewed commitment. He added that delegations from the state had appealed to the Central Government for greater assistance toward cooperative development and capacity-building.
After inaugurating the event, KSSFCL President G. Nanjana Gowda stressed the importance of introducing cooperative education from the school level. Such awareness, he said, would help young people understand the benefits of the cooperative structure and open avenues for employment.
He advocated for the establishment of cooperative studies centres in every university to foster research and training. He called upon the sector to reinvent itself for 2030, envisioning cooperatives as stepping stones for development, education, and job creation.
The programme also featured the release of special editions of Swabhimani Sahakari and Sahakar Weekly by Minister Boseraju. The event was attended by a large number of public representatives and cooperative leaders, including Raichur Rural MLA Basanagowda Daddal, MLA Hampayya Nayak, Legislative Council members A. Vasantha Kumara and Sharanagouda Patil Bayyapura, KOF President and former Minister Venkatarao Nadagouda, RDCC Bank President Vishwanath Patil Thoranadinni, District Cooperative Union President Vijayakumar Patil Shawantgeri, District Souharda Union President Dodda Basavaraj, along with several directors and senior officials of KSSFCL and the Cooperation Department.
As part of the Cooperative Week celebrations, KSSFCL honoured five Souharda cooperatives, five individual cooperators, and several high-performing societies with Best Cooperative Awards. Director Sridhar delivered the vote of thanks. The programme drew more than 1,500 cooperators, reflecting the growing strength of the movement in Karnataka.
A condolence meeting was also held in memory of Padma Shri Smt. Salumarada Thimmakka, the renowned environmentalist who passed away on 14 November at the age of 103, and was remembered with deep respect for her lifetime dedication to planting trees.