The 39th Annual National Research Conference on ‘Co-operative Business Model for Resilience’ was held on January 3 and 4, 2024, at the Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University (KSRDPRU), Gadag.
The event was jointly organized by the Indian Institute of Co-operative Management, Pune, KSRDPRU, Karnataka State Souharda Federal Cooperative Limited (KSSFCL), Bengaluru, and Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Cooperative Management.
Speaking at the inauguration, H.K. Patil emphasized the importance of good leadership in building sustainable cooperative business models and the need for universities to foster professional associations for the sector. He highlighted the role of cooperatives as key economic drivers, with India’s cooperative sector comprising 8.58 lakh societies and 29 crore members.
Patil called for stronger governance systems and professional management to elevate India’s cooperative movement to a world-class model. He also acknowledged the significance of 2025 being declared the International Year of Cooperation by the United Nations and praised the celebration of this milestone starting in Gadag district.
Dr. Yashwant Dongre, delivering the keynote address, spoke about the resilience of cooperatives as principle-based organizations that generate jobs, empower youth and women, and foster entrepreneurship. He called for better communication, technological integration, and policy support to further strengthen the sector. Dongre noted that India’s cooperative movement is the largest in the world, encompassing 118 countries under its umbrella.
Dr. Suresh Nadagoudar welcomed the guests, while Anil Karanjikar introduced the conference theme, urging attendees to promote the International Year of Cooperation’s logo. A minute’s silence was observed in memory of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
NABARD Deputy Director Jagadish highlighted NABARD’s commitment to the cooperative sector, and Nanjan Gowda, Chairman of a cooperative society, praised the system’s model approach to education, training, and promotion.
President Mr. G.H. Amin, speaking from the position of the President, realized the need for cooperative movement for the development of society and the United Nations has designated 2025 as the International Year of Cooperation for the second time. That the role of the co-operative sector is vast and important.
The two-day conference featured 61 research presentations—18 online and 43 offline—on various topics related to the cooperative sector. Over 150 delegates and more than 250 students from KSRDPRU participated in the event.
The valedictory address was delivered by Dr. Ashok Dalwai, and member of the core committee of the Agriculture Department, NCAR. He highlighted the cooperative sector’s transformation since 1904, when it consisted of 4,000 cooperatives with 36,000 members, to the present 8.5 lakh cooperatives with 30 crore members. He stressed the importance of professional management, transparency, and youth and women’s participation in ensuring sustainability for India’s cooperative movement.
The conference concluded with remarks by A.R. Prasanna Kumar, who commended the smooth organization and impactful discussions. Sharan Gowda G. Patil delivered the vote of thanks, and several leaders, including Guranna Balaganur, R. Mohana Koti, and M. Hegade Balesar, were honored for their contributions to the cooperative movement.
A promoters’ meeting for forming a student cooperative was also held under the chairmanship of Dr. Suresh Nadagoudar, with presentations from Shivkumar Biradar and Kalmesh outlining the framework for the new Souharda cooperative. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks from Sharan Gowda G. Patil.
The event reaffirmed the cooperative model’s critical role in fostering economic resilience and sustainable development, bringing together experts, researchers, and students to discuss strategies for strengthening the sector.
The conference was inaugurated by H.K. Patil, Minister of Law, Parliamentary Affairs, and Legislation of Karnataka, and District In-charge Minister. Several dignitaries attended the event, including Dr. Suresh Nadagoudar, Vice-Chancellor of KSRDPRU; A.R. Prasanna Kumar, Vice-President of KSSFCL; ISSC President G.H. Amin; Dr. Yashwant Dongre, Vice-Chancellor of Chanakya University; Sharan Gowda G. Patil, Managing Director of KSSFCL; Anil Karanjikar, ISSC Secretary; NABARD Deputy Director Jagadish; and KSRDPRU officer Aziza Mulla.
