An insightful awareness program on the Cooperative Movement was jointly organized by the Karnataka State Souharda Federal Cooperative Ltd. (KSSFCL) and the Department of Studies in Economics and Cooperation, Mysuru University. The event took place recently at the Manavika auditorium, Mysuru University.
The program commenced with an inaugural ceremony led by the Vice Chancellor of Mysuru University, Prof. N.K. Lokanath, who emphasized the transformative potential of the youth. “This program is a commendable initiative to create awareness about the cooperative movement—its achievements, challenges, and opportunities,” said Prof. Lokanath. He underscored the vibrancy and dynamism of Indian youth, describing them as the harbingers of innovation, resilience, and progress, qualities critical to fostering cooperation in society.
G. Nanjana Gowda, President of KSSFCL, presided over the event. In his presidential address, he revealed efforts to urge the government to incorporate cooperative studies into the educational curriculum. “The inclusion of cooperation-related topics in schools and colleges will lay a strong foundation for future generations,” he remarked, adding that a formal request had been submitted to the authorities.
Dr. A.R. Srinath, Visiting Professor at the SBM Chair, Mysore University, highlighted the employment potential within the cooperative sector. “Many young graduates struggle to secure jobs despite their academic qualifications. However, numerous opportunities exist in agriculture, dairy farming, and other cooperative ventures that do not rely on traditional employment avenues,” he stated.
The event also saw the participation of other prominent personalities, including Sri A.R. Prasanna Kumar, Vice President of KSSFCL; H.V. Rajeev, President of Mysore District Cooperative Union; and Prof. C. Gurusiddaiah from the Department of History, Mysuru University.
Following the inauguration, Dr. A.R. Srinath delivered a special lecture titled Youth and Cooperation. He elaborated on how young individuals could actively participate in the cooperative movement and leverage the opportunities it offers.
An engaging interaction session was moderated by Sri Sharanagouda G. Patil, Managing Director of KSSFCL. Panelists included Sri G. Nanjana Gowda, Professors M. Mahesh and M.V. Dinesh, Prajavani Mysore Bureau Chief K. Narasimhamurthy, Dr. Navitha Thimmaiah, and M.V. Ravi, Joint Director of Cooperative Societies. The resource persons fielded questions from over 250 economics students and faculty members of Mysuru University, enriching the discussion with their expertise.
During a promoters’ meeting held as part of the event, Dr. Navitha Thimmaiah was unanimously elected as the Chief Promoter for a proposed Campus Souharda Cooperative Society at Mysuru University.
The awareness program successfully shed light on the potential of the cooperative movement to empower youth and strengthen grassroots development. With over 250 attendees, the event served as a platform for knowledge-sharing and motivation, inspiring students to explore the cooperative sector as a viable career and community-building opportunity.
