Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Oct 31: The state-level programme of the 72nd All India Cooperative Week will be held on November 16 at the Karavali Utsava Grounds, Mangaluru, under the theme “Strengthening Rural Development through Cooperative Societies”, announced Dr M N Rajendra Kumar, president of the South Canara District Central Cooperative (SCDCC) Bank.

Addressing a press conference at the SCDCC Bank head office here, Dr Rajendra Kumar said India’s first prime minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had great faith in the principle and practice of cooperation.

“Nehru firmly believed that the nation’s future could be shaped through the cooperative movement and accordingly introduced several developmental programmes. His vision gave strong impetus to the cooperative sector, which now has a glorious 121-year history. India today stands among the nations with one of the most successful cooperative movements. The cooperative sector continues to serve as a strong foundation for the economic development of all sections of society,” he said.

Dr Rajendra Kumar further informed that All India Cooperative Week is observed every year from November 14 to 20, commencing on Pandit Nehru’s birth anniversary.

“The main objective of the week is to review the journey and progress of the cooperative movement and to chart a roadmap for its future growth. The 72nd edition is being observed with the motto ‘Cooperative Societies as Catalysts for Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India)’. State-level programmes will be organised across various districts, and in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, the celebration will be conducted meaningfully and with wide participation,” he added.

The state-level function on November 16 will be organised under the leadership of the Karnataka State Cooperative Federation Ltd, Bengaluru, the Karnataka State Cooperative Marketing Federation Ltd, Bengaluru, and the SCDCC Bank Ltd, Mangaluru, in association with the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi District Cooperative Unions Ltd, the Dakshina Kannada Milk Producers’ Union Ltd, the Navodaya Grama Vikas Charitable Trust, Mangaluru, and various agricultural, urban and departmental cooperative societies of the twin districts.