On the final day of the 8th National Convention of Sahakar Bharati, Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari addressed over 2,500 representatives, emphasizing the transformative role of cooperatives in empowering the underprivileged.
Speaking as the Chief Guest, Gadkari reflected on his personal experiences and the critical role of cooperative banks in advancing economic activities, particularly among marginalized groups.
The minister praised credit cooperatives for their pivotal role in eradicating human slavery through initiatives like financing e-rickshaws. “The adoption of e-rickshaws, which saw the end of human slavery, was made possible due to the efforts of credit cooperatives,” said Gadkari, lauding their commitment to supporting vulnerable sections of society.
He also shared anecdotes from his past, including how urban cooperative banks helped establish a sugar factory. Recalling the guidance of Sahakar Bharati co-founder Satish Marathe, he credited the organization for inspiring urban cooperative banks to support entrepreneurial ventures.
Gadkari highlighted the benefits of adopting nano fertilizers, citing his personal experiences in sugarcane farming, where yields improved significantly. He explained, “In granular urea, 75% is lost, but with nano fertilizers, only 25% is lost, leading to more effective and sustainable agriculture.”
The minister underscored the cooperative movement’s role in realizing Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of Ramrajya, where the basic needs of every citizen are met. He reiterated the motto of Sahakar Bharati: “Without organization, there is no cooperation; without cooperation, there is no salvation,” emphasizing the importance of integrity and honesty in the sector while cautioning against corruption and political interference.
During the session, Gadkari released the Sahakar Bharati emblem and a special leaflet. He also encouraged cooperative societies in Punjab to lead the way in making India self-reliant by empowering farmers and laborers.
Earlier, former National President Dinanath Thakur inaugurated the Sahakar Data Collection Portal. Emphasizing cooperation as a core value for societal harmony, he expressed concern over cooperatives drifting from their foundational principles. Thakur stressed that without a cooperative culture, India cannot achieve true development.
The convention, held in Punjab, concluded with the unanimous election of Dr. Uday Joshi as National President and Shri Deepak Kaurasiya as National General Secretary, overseen by Sahakar Bharati patron Ramesh Vaidya. Senior Punjab Sahakar Bharati leader Ashwini Mukherjee delivered the vote of thanks, marking the end of the successful three-day event.
