Indian Cooperative talked to Sahakar Bharati National President after IFFCO Board decided to honour him with Sahakarita Ratna award for the year 2015. He was driving when we called him but a simple man that he is-he called back immediately. Here are excerpts:
Indian Cooperative: What is your reaction while receiving this award?
Satish Marathe: I feel humbled, to tell you the truth. Bharagavaji called me and said since I have been active in the cooperative movement since 1978, IFFCO has chosen to bestow this award on me. IFFCO feels that what Sahakar Bharati does; may not be visible today but it is going to have a deep impact across states in the days to come.
IC: How did you get the news?
Marathe: I received a mail on Tuesday evening. Earlier in the day Mr Bharagava called me and informed me about it.
IC: Did MD Dr U S Awasthi also call you?
Marathe: Perhaps he did but I was out of Mumbai and my phone had connectivity problem, we could not talk but I will call him today as the day breaks.
IC: What do you think of IFFCO?
Marathe: Since I have been in the cooperative sector for a number of years I know IFFCO and appreciate some of its initiatives aiming to improve the lot of farmers. They are doing a wonderful job.
IC : Have you met Dr U S Awasthi?
Marathe: Yes, I have met him on a couple of occasions during the cooperative functions. We had invited him to our Sahakar Bharati function held in Banglore a few years ago as one of the keynote speakers. I still remember he spoke on “innovations in cooperatives”.