Cultural Roots of the Cooperative Spirit
The Mela was formally inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Cooperation, Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar, in the presence of Assam’s Minister for Cooperation, Shri Jogen Mohan. Addressing the gathering, Shri Gurjar underscored that the cooperative movement in Assam is deeply rooted in the state’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
He paid tribute to Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev and Mahapurush Madhavdev, stating that their teachings on unity, equality, and selfless service form the philosophical foundation of cooperation. According to the Union Minister, the ideals propagated by these saintly figures continue to inspire collective growth and social harmony.
Sahkar Se Samriddhi Gaining Momentum
Shri Gurjar highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of the Union Minister of Cooperation, the vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” is steadily translating into ground-level impact. He described the creation of the Ministry of Cooperation in 2021 as a landmark reform that provided institutional clarity and a long-term roadmap for strengthening cooperatives.
The national goal, he noted, is to build a world-class cooperative ecosystem by 2047, aligned with India’s centenary of Independence.
Assam Emerging as a Cooperative Leader
Praising Assam’s progress, the Union Minister credited Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma and Cooperation Minister Shri Jogen Mohan for accelerating reforms in the sector. He pointed out that Assam has emerged as a frontrunner in the computerisation of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), with more than 800 PACS already adopting the new Model Byelaws.
This transformation, he said, is empowering youth and women, encouraging entrepreneurship across sectors, and strengthening financial inclusion for over 32 lakh cooperative members in the state.
Grassroots Innovation on Display
Addressing the Mela, Assam Cooperation Minister Shri Jogen Mohan described the event as a celebration of grassroots empowerment. He lauded participating cooperatives for achieving self-reliance and innovation, particularly in initiatives that convert waste into valuable products using locally available resources.
He highlighted the role of cooperatives in diverse sectors such as handloom, fisheries, dairy, agriculture, women’s self-help groups, and youth-led enterprises, calling them engines of inclusive growth.
Platform for Cooperative Growth
The 4th Cooperative Mela features 160 cooperative societies from across Assam, offering a vibrant platform to showcase local products, innovations, and success stories. The event includes exhibitions, interactive sessions, and knowledge-sharing programmes aimed at strengthening cooperation-driven development.
With Assam aligning itself to the National Cooperative Policy 2025’s goal of establishing at least one cooperative in every village by 2026, the Mela reflects the state’s commitment to a cooperative-led, self-reliant future.
