By: Dilip Sanghani
The stream of Cooperation flows smoothly; it knows no barriers. Wherever it passes through, it sows seeds of small and big development and nurtures economic support. Truly, more than what it literally means, Cooperation is the real embodiment of social and economic upliftment. We all are, in some way, connected, involved, and are collaborating in the journey of Cooperation.
India’s cooperative tradition dates back to ancient times, deeply rooted in its culture and economic systems. According to Kautilya’s Arthashastra, the financial structure of villages reflects the cooperative framework, providing employment, supporting families, and contributing to social development. The spirit of Cooperation had major role to play in our freedom struggle. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s visionary efforts to unify princely states and Gandhi’s “Quit India” movement demonstrated social cooperation. Thus, it can be confidently said that cooperation is innate to our nation’s ethos.
Recognizing the transformative potential of this model, the Government of India, under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, created the Ministry of Cooperation—a historic step in modern India. This initiative reflects Modi Ji’s unwavering commitment to inclusive development and prosperity.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah, who is a seasoned cooperative leader, has been instrumental in spearheading revolutionary changes in the sector. Under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary policies and guidance India’s cooperative movement have got a new direction, with much emphasis on “Sahkar se Samriddhi.” Under the guidance of Amit Shah, Cooperatives sector is witnessing unprecedented growth, and is getting fast recognition at global level.
International Cooperative Alliance, established 132 years ago, held its maiden meeting in India with over 107 countries participating in November 2024. It was a proud moment for all Indians to witness the growing strength of Indian Cooperative Ecosystem. The ICA Global Conference, hosted by IFFCO in New Delhi, added another feather to the cap of India’s cooperative movement.
ICA International Conference was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi where Bhutanese Prime Minister Shering Tobgay, Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, ICA President Ariel Guarco, and over 1,500 delegates from 107 countries were in attendance. During the event, the United Nations declared 2025 as the “International Year of Cooperatives,” in recognition of the global impact of this sector.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inspiring vision and strategic leadership have elevated India’s cooperative movement to global prominence. His emphasis on grassroots empowerment, coupled with Amit Shah’s deep understanding of the cooperative model, has transformed the sector into a beacon of new hope for the world. The success of this conference is a testament to their exemplary leadership and India’s rising stature on the global stage.
Many international cooperative leaders expressed a keen interest in learning about India’s cooperative movement and exploring partnerships with leading cooperative organizations in India. This experience reinforced the spirit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family), which resonates deeply with our nation’s values and traditions.
The dairy cooperatives of India are standing tall to reinforce the vision of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and success of cooperation. The dream journey of Amul Dairy Cooperative is awe-inspiring. From a humble start, it has become one of the world’s largest dairy cooperatives. Further, the success of Amul which is based on “Anand Pattern”, where the farmer is the co-owner as well as the supplier has ensured fair distribution of income and profits. The direct involvement of farmers in decision making has led to even better management. Its success further goes beyond economic growth, and provides a platform for women empowerment making it an ideal blueprint for other agricultural and dairy cooperatives across the country and the world.
Working for the sector has reaffirmed my commitment to the ideals of Cooperation. I founded an organization named “Vasundhara-Amreli” 30 years ago in 1995. The organisation is inspired by the noble goal of promoting the principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”. It aims to foster love and unity among all living beings.
India’s cooperative framework, bolstered by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah’s visionary leaderships, has emerged as an inspiring model for development. The “Sahkar se Samriddhi” vision is gaining acceptance not just in India but globally. The ICA Global Conference has laid the groundwork for further strengthening cooperative policies, building an entrepreneurial ecosystem, promoting leadership, ensuring equality, and advancing justice through cooperation.
A peaceful and bloodless revolution in today’s world is possible only through cooperative framework. In corollary, Cooperative is only alternative for a peaceful and bloodless revolution. The growing divide of inequalities in the world can only be bridged through cooperative measures. The increasing sense of alienation among youth and other sections of societies can only be diminished by the bonds of cooperatives. For a shared future, it is imperative that Cooperative movements take centre-stage and bring in equitable economic and social development.
The writer is NCUI, IFFCO & GUJCOMASOL, Former Cooperation Minister, Gujarat.
Courtesy PIB, Srinagar
