An awareness programme on the Cooperative Movement was organised jointly by the Karnataka State Souharda Federal Cooperative Ltd. (KSSFCL) and Mandya University on Tuesday at the university’s Syndicate Hall. The event aimed to educate students about the role and relevance of cooperatives in the modern economy.
The programme was inaugurated by P. Ravikumar Gowda, MLA of Mandya Assembly Constituency, in the presence of Prof. K. Shivachithappa, Vice Chancellor of Mandya University. Sri Manjunath S. K., Director of KSSFCL, presided over the function.
Chief guests included Khader Pasha, Chief Financial Officer, MySugar Mandya and Finance Officer, Mandya University, and Gururaj B. T., President of Mysuru, Mandya Mattu Kodagu Jilla Souharda Sahakarigala Okkuta Ni. The gathering was welcomed by Guruprasad Bangera, Senior Officer, while Sharangowda G. Patil, Managing Director, KSSFCL, outlined the objectives of the programme.
Dr. A. R. Srinath, Visiting Professor from the Department of Economics and Cooperative Studies, University of Mysore, delivered a lecture on the importance of the cooperative sector and the vital role of youth in strengthening it.
An interactive session followed under the chairmanship of Manjunath S. K. and moderation of Sharangowda G. Patil. The session featured insights from H. R. Nagabhushan, Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies; Khader Pasha; and Dr. Srinath as resource persons. Students actively participated in a lively question-and-answer round.
Over 280 students, along with professors and lecturers from Mandya University, took part in the programme, which concluded with a renewed call for youth engagement in India’s cooperative movement.
A promoters’ meeting was also held at Mandya University to establish a Campus Souharda Cooperative. Dr. Lokesh K. P., Associate Professor, presided over the session attended by Associate Professors Prem Singh and Dr. Shivaram. Souharda Development Officer Balram N. conducted the programme, highlighting the cooperative’s objectives and benefits for students. The event was presented by Balram M., while Ashok delivered the vote of thanks.