The 53rd AGM of the world’s largest fertilizer cooperative- IFFCO saw the bestowing of co-op awards on two cooperators, who contributed a lot for strengthening the roots of the cooperative movement.
The IFFCO Sahakarita Ratna Award was given away to Uttar Pradesh Cooperation Minister JPS Rathore and the Sahakarita Bandhu Award was bestowed on Kanjibhai Bhalala
Rathore was honored for strengthening the cooperative movement at the primary level in Uttar Pradesh. He had played a pivotal role in revitalizing district cooperative banks across Uttar Pradesh and effectively linking farmers with Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS).
He has been instrumental in advancing cooperative policies and ensuring the effective implementation of various schemes aimed at benefiting farmers and the rural economy.
Born in Mohanpur, Mamrejpur, Rathore is the son of Balram Singh Rathore and Saroj Rathore. He is married to Priya Singh Rathore, and they have two sons.
Kanjibhai Bhalala was given away the award for his exemplary commitment for strengthening the Cooperative Movement in the country and of Gujarat in particular.
Bhalala is a social worker and leader of Patidar community in Diamond City i.e. Surat. He has been actively working with Surat Civil Defence since 2001.
He was appointed as the chief warden in 2020 after he worked in various junior positions. Bhalala is associated with various welfare organisations and working for multiple social causes.
The two awards carry a citation and an amount of Rs 11 lac cash each.
