The ‘Ingenious Banking Leadership Summit and Iconic Leaders Awards’ held in Goa on December 13-14, 2024, celebrated the contributions of cooperative banks in strengthening India’s rural economy and empowering marginalized communities. Organized by E-Plus and Eventalist Conferences, the event brought together key leaders, experts, and stakeholders from the cooperative banking sector.
Dileep Sanghani, President of the National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI), served as the Chief Guest and was honoured with the prestigious ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for his decades of service in strengthening the cooperative movement across the country.
In his address, Sanghani highlighted the vital role of cooperative banks in providing financial support to rural communities, particularly farmers and economically weaker sections. “The network of state and district cooperative banks spans the nation’s rural landscape, making them instrumental in boosting the rural economy and contributing significantly to India’s overall development,” he stated.
Sanghani’s leadership and dedication to the cooperative sector were repeatedly acknowledged throughout the event. Shri Sumit Singh, Advisor (Strategy and Cooperation) at NCUI, introduced Sanghani’s impressive career to the delegates, emphasizing his contributions to advancing cooperative institutions.
The event saw the participation of prominent figures, including Goa’s Minister of Social Justice Subhash Phal Desai, Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar, MLA Sankalp Amonkar, NCUI Chief Executive Dr. Sudhir Mahajan, and former Managing Director of Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank Shri Pramod Karnad. Five state cooperative banks and 16 district central cooperative banks were awarded for their exemplary work.
Dr. Sudhir Mahajan, a special guest, stressed the importance of adopting innovative approaches and advanced technologies to expand cooperative banking in the country. Additionally, Shri Subhash Phal Desai emphasized the positive outlook of the central government and the Reserve Bank towards cooperative banks, urging the adoption of modern technologies to enhance transparency and cybersecurity in financial transactions.
The summit also featured leading technology service providers, including Tannum Consultancy, OneSpan, and Yotta, showcasing solutions to strengthen cooperative banking systems. Zahid Siddiqui, CEO of E-Plus Intellectual Media, remarked on the success of the event, noting its role in fostering discussions on empowering rural communities through cooperative banks.
Sanghani’s inspiring leadership and his recognition at the event underscored the significant role of cooperative banks in the nation’s economic and social development. The summit concluded with renewed commitments to advancing cooperative banking and ensuring its continued contribution to rural empowerment.
