The cooperative sector, especially the urban cooperative banking fraternity, is in deep mourning following the demise of veteran leader Dr. Mukund Abhyankar. The former Chairman of Cosmos Cooperative Bank and past President of NAFCUB passed away on April 16, 2026, at the age of 89, leaving behind a towering legacy.
As news of his passing spread, tributes began pouring in from across the country, reflecting the immense respect he commanded within and beyond the cooperative banking space.
Union Minister of State for Cooperation Murlidhar Mohol paid a heartfelt tribute, calling him a “pillar of strength” for the cooperative banking sector. He also underlined Dr. Abhyankar’s role at the national level, including his leadership at NAFCUB and his contributions to various committees of the Reserve Bank of India.
NAFCUB President Laxmi Dass described his demise as a “significant loss” to the cooperative credit sector, remembering his lifelong commitment to institutional development and governance.
Echoing similar sentiments, Jyotindra Mehta said the UCB sector will always remember the stalwart late Abhyankar, adding that his immense contribution to cooperative banking will continue to inspire future generations.
TJSB Sahakari Bank Chairman Sharad Gangal called him a true torchbearer of the cooperative movement, highlighting his remarkable journey of over 46 years with Cosmos Bank and his nine tenures as Chairman.
Leading institutions also joined in mourning. Saraswat Bank, in its message, expressed deep sorrow and paid tribute to a leader whose legacy will be remembered across the sector.
From the political leadership, Maharashtra Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil termed his passing a huge loss, while senior leader Chandrakant Patil described him as a learned and guiding personality.
A stalwart in every sense, Dr. Abhyankar’s association with Cosmos Bank began in 1978 and spanned over four decades. Serving as Chairman nine times, he played a pivotal role in shaping the bank’s growth, modernization, and expansion.
The Visakhapatnam Cooperative Bank also expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dr. Mukund Abhyankar, remembering his visionary leadership and contributions to the cooperative movement. The bank recalled his association and centenary visit, describing him as a reformer who promoted transparency and member-centric governance, and extended condolences to his family and the Cosmos Bank fraternity. Om Shanti.
Similarly, SVC Cooperative Bank mourned his demise, calling it the loss of a great leader and an era. It paid tribute to his enduring legacy and extended heartfelt condolences, praying for his eternal peace.
Dr. U. S. Awasthi, former MD of IFFCO, was among the first to express deep condolences.
With his passing, the cooperative movement has lost not just a leader, but a visionary whose legacy will continue to guide the sector for years to come.