The 23rd annual general body meeting of the Karnataka State Souharda Federal Co-operative Ltd. (KSSFCL) was held at the Princess Golf, Palace Ground, Bangalore on Tuesday, marking a significant and participative event. The meeting witnessed the participation of 1,785 members from 31 districts across Karnataka.
The day’s proceedings commenced with the flag hoisting ceremony, followed by a warm welcome from the Vice President of KSSFCL, A. R. Prasanna Kumar. He introduced the directors and participants, setting the stage for the day’s agenda. A two-minute silence was observed in memory of departed farmers, soldiers, and notable figures in science, arts, and various other fields.
The President of KSSFCL, G. Nanjana Gowda, addressed the gathering, highlighting the progress of the cooperative movement in Karnataka and the broader Souharda movement across India. His speech was followed by a lively and fruitful discussion on various subjects, during which President Gowda addressed all questions raised by the members.
Managing Director Sharanagowda G. Patil presented the subjects of the general body, all of which were unanimously approved. The meeting also featured a vote of thanks by Director Sridhar.
In a special segment of the event, the Sahakararathna awardees of 2023 were felicitated, along with the best Souharda cooperatives and individual cooperators. Among those honored were Prof. Dr. Suresh V. Nadagoudar, Acting Vice-Chancellor and Registrar of Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University, Gadag; Prof. Dr. Vishnukanth Chatapalli, Retired Vice-Chancellor of the same university; and Dr. Yashwanth Dongre, Vice-Chancellor of Chanakya University, Bengaluru. H. K. Patil, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Karnataka, also received special recognition.
H K Patil expressed his satisfaction with the conduct of the general body meeting and the recognition of exemplary cooperatives and individuals. He lauded the Souharda movement’s positive impact on Karnataka.
The event also included the release of several significant publications, including “Autonomy, Governance and Empowerment: Study of Souharda Cooperatives” by Dr. Yashwantha Dongre, and “Souharda Sahakarai Kayide Aadhalita Kaipidi” by Sri C. N. Parashivamurthy, among others.
A new DCBM (Diploma in Co-operative Business Management) course was also announced, launched in collaboration with Karnataka State Rural Development and Panchayat Raj University, Gadag, and KSSFCL. The first batch has enrolled 632 candidates. The distribution of marks cards and certificates to successful candidates was a highlight of the event, with Minister Patil presenting awards to the top performers.
Prof. Dr. Vishnukanth Chatapalli emphasized the importance of rural development and cooperation, urging participants to make the most of the DCBM course. Prof. Dr. Suresh V. Nadagoudar echoed these sentiments, expressing the university’s commitment to supporting rural communities and cooperatives.
The event concluded with the inauguration of a techno fair by former KSSFCL President S. R. Sathishchandra. The fair featured 30 software companies showcasing advanced technology beneficial to Souharda cooperatives.
