Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, Oct 15: The Dakshina Kannada District Central Cooperative Bank (SDCC Bank) organised a series of social welfare initiatives, extended assistance to the underprivileged, and handed over a vehicle to the Udupi district administration on Thursday at the bank's auditorium in Mangaluru. The programme was held with prayers and good wishes for the health and well-being of veteran cooperative leader and Sahakara Ratna Dr M N Rajendra Kumar.
The programme was graced by Pejawar Math seer Sri Vishwaprasanna Tirtha Swamiji, who offered his blessings. Dr M Mohan Alva, founder of Alva's Education Foundation, Moodbidri, and Udupi deputy commissioner Swaroopa T K participated in the programme.
As a mark of respect and recognition for his contributions to the cooperative movement and society, a silver mace (gade) was presented to Dr M N Rajendra Kumar by Sri Vishwaprasanna Tirtha Swamiji. The presentation symbolised the traditional heritage and spiritual significance of the region.
In his address, the seer highlighted Dr Rajendra Kumar's contributions to society and offered prayers for his long, healthy, and prosperous life. He observed that the cooperative leader had earned the affection and respect of people across different sections of society through his service.
The seer also highlighted the importance of spiritual and social service, referring to a contribution of Rs 1 crore towards a sacred cause associated with the region.
'Sugandha' initiative empowers women through temple flower recycling
A key highlight of the programme was the 'Sugandha' initiative, which aims to transform flowers offered at temples into useful products while creating livelihood opportunities for women.
Explaining the project, Udupi deputy commissioner Swaroopa T K said the initiative was undertaken through the joint efforts of the muzrai department, VKE Society, and the district administration.
Initially proposed at a programme organised by the Chamber of Commerce, the project received encouraging support from the public. With an estimated cost of Rs 25 lakh, the initiative was designed to establish the necessary infrastructure and provide working capital.
Several individuals and organisations voluntarily came forward to support the project by sponsoring machinery and contributing funds.
According to the deputy commissioner, when Dr Rajendra Kumar was approached regarding the initiative, he responded positively and suggested arranging a dedicated vehicle to collect flowers from temples across the district.
Under the Sugandha initiative, 30 women have received training in collecting, sorting, and processing temple flowers. The flowers are converted into products such as dhoop and agarbatti (incense sticks), helping reduce floral waste while providing employment opportunities.
Three initial products were introduced on August 15, and temples in Mangaluru and surrounding areas have extended their support to the initiative.
The vehicle handed over during the programme is expected to facilitate the collection of temple flowers across Udupi district and strengthen the project's operations.
Addressing the gathering, Dr M Mohan Alva praised Dr M N Rajendra Kumar's contributions to the cooperative movement and society, stating that his service had transcended boundaries of caste, religion, family, and geographical identity.
Highlighting the growth of SDCC Bank under Dr Rajendra Kumar's leadership, Dr Alva cited figures indicating that the bank's deposits had reached Rs 10,153 crore and advances Rs 12,191 crore, taking its total business volume to Rs 22,346 crore. The bank has expanded its network to 113 branches.
He also highlighted the growth of the Navodaya Stree Shakti Sangha, established in 2000, which has expanded to 40,546 groups with approximately 4.05 lakh members by 2026.
The bank's annual profit of Rs 111 crore was also cited as a significant achievement reflecting its growth and institutional strength.
Dr Alva noted that Dr Rajendra Kumar's leadership, concern for people, and commitment to resolving issues had earned him widespread respect and admiration.
The programme highlighted the role of cooperative institutions in promoting social welfare, women's empowerment, and sustainable community development, while recognising Dr M N Rajendra Kumar's contributions to the cooperative sector and society.
Several prominent personalities from the cooperative sector and public life attended the event, including Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, former Kadur MLA and former Apex Bank president Belli Prakash, SDCC Bank managing director Gopinath Bhat, bank vice-president Vinay Kumar Suranje, Dakshina Kannada District Cooperative Union president Shashikumar Balehally, Udupi District Cooperative Union president Jayakar Shetty Indrali, and Dakshina Kannada Milk Producers Union president Raviraj Hegde, along with senior directors, cooperative society representatives, and members of the Navodaya family.