In a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering cooperative awareness among the youth, NCUI Coop Connect embarked on a transformative journey with the Sanskriti School in New Delhi, commencing the calendar year 2024 with a resounding 5-Day Awareness-cum-Orientation Program on Cooperatives.
This dynamic initiative, designed to enlighten the potential future cooperators and cooperative entrepreneurs of India, unfolded from January 1st to 5th, 2024, encapsulating a comprehensive blend of exposure visits, training workshops, and enlightening lecture sessions on the multifaceted realm of cooperatives as a socio-economic development sector.
The meticulously planned Awareness Program delved into various facets of cooperative endeavours through targeted class sessions led by experts in the field. Sessions included “Successful Cooperative Business Model” conducted by Rajeev Sharma, Director (Projects & Coop Connect); “Career Opportunities in Cooperatives” led by Sanjay Verma, Director (PR/Pub); “Financing Cooperative Business & Preparation of Business Model Canvas” facilitated by Anurag, Assistant Director (Finance) and “Cooperatives as Social Enterprises” presented by Naveen Kumar, Research Officer (NCRC).
The practical aspect of the program was equally emphasized, as students engaged in hands-on experiences at the NCUI Incubation Centre, crafting bio-enzymes, soap, and candles. The immersive field visits took students to prominent cooperative organizations, including the National Cooperative Housing Federation of India (NCHF) and IFFCO Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd. (IFFCO) in New Delhi.
At IFFCO, students had the privilege of interacting with Santosh Kumar Shukla, Jt. General Manager, who provided insights into the organization’s functioning, activities, and achievements, including the revolutionary NANO-DAP fertilizer.
Further enriching the program, students explored the NCUI Haat store at the NCUI campus, where they witnessed the quality products developed by Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and lesser-known cooperatives.
Dr. Sudhir Mahajan, Chief Executive of NCUI, and Deputy Chief Executive Savitri Singh engaged in enlightening interactions with the students, adding a personal touch to their cooperative journey.
This impactful combination of awareness sessions, training workshops, and field visits orchestrated by NCUI Coop Connect is poised to instil a lasting impression on the students of Sanskriti School. By exposing the young minds to the vast potential and sustainable career opportunities within the cooperative sector, this program aligns with the broader objective of nurturing a new generation eager to contribute to the cooperative movement.
As the curtains draw on this successful initiative, it leaves a trail of inspiration, encouraging the GenNext to consider the cooperative sector as a viable and rewarding career path.