The cooperative sector was overwhelmed with the news of octogenarian Shivaji Rao Patil being conferred with Padma Bhushan award.
Patil a close aid of Sharad Pawar is a member of Governing Council of National Cooperative Union of India. A felicitation function was organised by NCUI on Monday to facilitate him.
The plaque of honour in recognition of Shri Patil’s yeomen services to the cooperative movement was given to Shri Patil on the occasion. The NCUI Governing Council Members, key representatives of cooperative institutions, and staff of NCUI were present on the occasion.
Talking to Indian Cooperative NCUI President Chandra Pal Singh Yadav said it is a matter for honour for the entire cooperative fraternity.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Shivaji Rao Patil, Padma Bhushan recalled his long career in cooperative sector through his association with Students’ Association, the Congress Party and later his holding of important portfolios in the cooperative institutions.
Recognising the need for providing a distinct identity to the cooperatives for sustainable growth, Shri Patil said that he tried his best in his efforts for the passage of the Constitutional Amendment Bill. He expressed deep gratitude to the NCUI Governing Council Members for felicitating him.
Dr. Chandra Pal Sigh Yadav, President, NCUI speaking on the occasion said that the award to Shri Patil an is honour for the entire cooperative movement. Dr. Dinesh, Chief Executive, NCUI earlier read out a detailed note on the contribution of Shri Shivaji Rao Patil throughout his long illustrious career.
The Members of NCUI, Governing Council spoke in great length about the achievements of Shri Patil. They spoke about his important contribution for the farming community, his valuable contribution for successful functioning of sugar cooperatives, and his untiring efforts for ensuring cooperative autonomy through passage of the Constitutional Amendment Bill.