Colossus of coop movement Elaben no more; global tributes pour in

Cooperators from across the world have paid tributes to the veteran co-operator and a Padma Bhushan recipient, Elaben Bhatt on her demise. She died on Wednesday due to age-related issues. Bhatta who was 89 was the founder of the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), which has made a mark not only in India but also in the world.

Besides the country’s co-operators, cooperative leaders from across the world have paid their homage to Bhatt who was a towering personality and is credited with changing the lives of millions of women. ICA News recalls that Bhatt was a keynote speaker at the World Cooperative Congress in 2021, where she reaffirmed her lifelong commitment to the co-operative identity. “The co-operative is an answer to poverty in any country,” she had said.

“Founded by Elaben Bhatt in Gujarat in 1972, today nearly 2 million self-employed women across multiple industries have coalesced to form the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) which works to dismantle the economic and societal barriers that have pushed women to the periphery of society”, reads the website of SEWA.

By coming together, they have transformed not only their own lives but the lives of millions more by inducing policy changes, not only at the grassroots but also at State and National levels, it adds.

ICA Director General Bruno Roelants wrote, “My sincere condolences to Sister Ela Bhatt’s family and the whole SEWA community. She is one of the key cooperative thinkers in history and has been for me a strong source of inspiration for decades. I will keep treasuring her memory”.

ICA Regional Director Balu Iyer wrote, “Saddened to hear about the passing of Ela Bhatt of @SEWAFed. A pioneer in the field of #cooperatives who was at the forefront promoting rights of women, empowering informal workers, and building solid institutions. Thoughts and prayers to her family and staff at SEWA.

Gujarat State Cooperative Union Chairman G H Amin wrote, “Deeply saddened by the passing away of Ela Bhatt ji, renowned activist and founder of Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA). Her contributions towards women empowerment and social service are unmatched. Prayers for the departed soul. Om Shanti”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Condoled the death of Ela Bhatt. Besides cooperative leaders, the top-notch politicians include Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, P Chidambaram and others. Not only this, her International followers including Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and others lost no time in paying tributes to the departed soul

PM Modi tweeted and wrote, “Saddened to learn about the passing of Ela Bhatt. She will be remembered for a long time for her work to promote women empowerment, social service and education amongst the youth. Condolences to the members and fans.”