President Highlights Role of Cooperatives in Nation's Development at Shri Warana Women Cooperative's Golden Jubilee

In her speech, the President highlighted that cooperation embodies the spirit of justice, unity, and fraternity as envisioned in the Constitution.

Today, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, graced the golden jubilee celebration of the Shri Warana Women Cooperative Group at Warananagar, Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Addressing the event, President Murmu emphasized the vital role that cooperative societies play in harnessing the collective strength of society, contributing significantly to India's economic development.

In her speech, the President highlighted that cooperation embodies the spirit of justice, unity, and fraternity as envisioned in the Constitution. She noted that cooperatives, by uniting people from diverse backgrounds and ideologies, benefit from the social diversity that strengthens them. Iconic brands like Amul and Lijjat Papad, she mentioned, are prime examples of successful cooperative ventures that have become household names in India.

President Murmu acknowledged the pivotal role cooperatives have played in making India the world's largest milk producer, noting that these groups are not only central to milk production and distribution but also contribute significantly to other sectors such as fertilizers, cotton, handloom, housing, edible oil, and sugar.

However, the President also pointed out that in the rapidly changing modern world, cooperative institutions must adapt. She urged cooperatives to embrace technology and professionalize their management to overcome challenges such as capital and resource shortages, governance issues, and low participation rates. President Murmu stressed the importance of engaging more youth in cooperatives, as their involvement could lead to the integration of new technologies in governance and management.

She encouraged cooperative institutions to explore emerging areas like organic farming, storage capacity building, and eco-tourism, emphasizing that the true success of any enterprise lies in its connection with the common people. Transparency and a democratic approach, she said, are crucial for the success of cooperatives, ensuring that they remain true to their mission of serving their members' interests rather than becoming tools for personal gain.

Addressing the predominantly female audience, President Murmu urged them to value education, learn new technologies, prioritize environmental conservation, assist those in need, and contribute to the nation's development. She concluded by stating that through collective efforts, India can achieve greater heights on the global stage.