Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, Aug 4: The 146th birth anniversary of cooperative pioneer late Molahalli Shivarao was observed at the South Canara District Central Co-operative (SCDCC) Bank auditorium at Kodialbail on Tuesday, August 4.
The programme was jointly organised by the Dakshina Kannada District Central Cooperative Bank Ltd, Mangaluru, and the Dakshina Kannada District Cooperative Union Ltd, Mangaluru.
The event was presided over by Dr M N Rajendra Kumar, president of the Karnataka State Cooperative Marketing Federation, president of SCDCC Bank, and founder of Navodaya Grama Vikasa Charitable Trust. On the occasion, the reference book (Aakara Grantha) on Molahalli Shivarao was formally released.
Among those present on the dais were CAMPCO president and former president of the Karnataka State Cooperative Union Satish Chandra, Dakshina Kannada Milk Union president Raviraj Hegde, Udupi District Cooperative Union president and Federation director Jayakar Shetty Indrali, DKDCC Bank vice-president Vinay Kumar Soorinje, Dakshina Kannada District Cooperative Union president Shashikumar Rai Balyottu, DKDCC Bank CEO Gopalakrishna Bhat, author and editor of the reference book Aravinda Chokkadi, directors of the bank, directors of the district cooperative union, representatives of cooperative institutions, and invited guests.
Delivering the keynote address, Aravinda Chokkadi stressed the importance of preserving the purity and power of language. Recalling Molahalli Shivarao's style of communication, he said Shivarao spoke sparingly, but every word he uttered carried clarity, purpose, and lasting impact. He noted that the reference book was prepared through extensive field research and oral history due to the lack of documented material on Shivarao's life. Chokkadi appreciated the support extended during the research process and said the work could even inspire a film on the life and contributions of the cooperative stalwart.
Chief Guest Satish Chandra said the present generation enjoys the fruits of the sacrifices and hard work of earlier leaders. Reflecting on the poverty and hardships of the past, he said the transformation witnessed today was made possible by visionary leaders such as Molahalli Shivarao and other pioneers of the cooperative movement. He urged the younger generation to understand and carry forward their legacy, stating that only then would be commemorating Shivarao's birth anniversary become truly meaningful.
In his presidential address, Dr M N Rajendra Kumar highlighted the remarkable growth of the cooperative sector in the undivided Dakshina Kannada district. He observed that while many commercial banks have merged over the years, cooperative institutions in the district have continued to grow stronger and remain financially sound. He credited Molahalli Shivarao's visionary leadership for laying the foundation of a robust cooperative network that has significantly contributed to the region's economic development. He also recalled Shivarao's role in strengthening the cooperative movement, promoting consumer stores, and ensuring food distribution during World War II. Calling him a guiding force for generations, Dr Rajendra Kumar urged everyone to continue strengthening the cooperative movement by following Shivarao's ideals.
The programme concluded with tributes to Molahalli Shivarao and a renewed commitment to uphold the values of cooperation and community service championed by the cooperative leader.