The entire co-op sector plunged into gloom when the news of legendary co-operator Shri B S Vishwanathan’s demise came Sunday morning. He passed away today morning in Bangalore, Karnataka after a prolonged illness. He was 89.
A committed co-operator, Vishwanathan will be remembered for his upright conduct and as someone who genuinely believed in the power of co-operatives in improving the lives of the masses. His no-nonsense approach on any attempt to denigrate co-op models, has several interesting anecdotes.
In his condolence message, NCUI President Dileepbhai Sanghani wrote, “I am saddened by the news of the sudden demise of B S Vishwanathan Ji. He was NCUI former President, founder chairman of National Institute of Rural Banking (NIRB) Bangalore and country’s leading co-operative leader. He worked for cooperation throughout his life, Om Shanti”.
ICA-AP and Kribhco Chairman Dr Chandra Pal Singh Yadav wrote, “I am deeply saddened to learn about the sudden demise of B S Vishwanatha Ji. My condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family at this difficult time. May the departed soul rest in peace.”
NAFSCOB Chairman Ravinder Rao wrote, “My deepest condolences to the bereaved family members! May God give them strength to overcome this grief. May his soul rest in peace”.
NAFCARD Chairman Dollar Kotecha wrote, “I extend my deepest condolences on the passing away of Shri B S Vishwanathan. His loss is not just a personal one but a profound one for the coop sector”.
Nafed Vice-Chairman Sunil Kumar Singh wrote, “I pay my heartfelt tribute”. Nafscob Managing Director Bhima Subrahmanyam wrote, “Our condolences to the bereaved family members of our great BS Viswanathan ji-Om ShantiI”. NCUI former CEO N Satyanarayana wrote, “Very unfortunate. Veteran leader of the cooperative movement of the world”.
Dr. Vishwanathan is a multi-faceted personality and his varied interests encompass many spheres of life. While being a man of principles, he was notable for his dedication to public service, discipline in conduct, enthusiasm towards life, concern for farmers and compassion for the poor. The soft-spoken veteran has also no less interest in literature, music, dance and other fine arts.
Born in a respectable agricultural family on 6th January 1934 in Shimoga district Tirthahalli of Karnataka, Shri Vishwanathan had his primary education at his native place and did his graduation in Commerce from St. Joseph’s College in Bengaluru.
Shri Vishwanathan had imbibed his concern and compassion for farmers from his father. The year 1963 was a turning point in his life when he got elected as a Director to the local Primary Agricultural Development Bank, Thirthahalli. The very next year, he became the President of the Bank and remained in that position for 14 years.
After getting elected to the Governing Council of National Cooperative Union of India, Shri Vishwanathan became its President in the year 1973 which marked the beginning of a new era of all-round growth of cooperative movement in the country and its dominant presence and enhanced role in regional and global movements. He occupied the position of President NCUI for 14 years in two spells.
He was elected to the Board of Directors of Karnataka State Cooperative Agriculture & Rural Development Bank in 1973. He was in the Board of the bank continuously for 50 years since then and was President of the Bank for 23 years. During this period, he became the Chairman of National Cooperative Agriculture & Rural Development Banks’ Federation Ltd. for 18 years and made tremendous contributions to strengthen institutions in the Long-Term Cooperative Credit Structure.
He represented India in the International Cooperative Alliance for a record period of 27 years without interruption and also rendered appreciable services as President of Asia Pacific Regional Assembly and Chairperson of Regional Cooperative Banking Association during this period. His association with the International Raiffeisen Union as a Member on its Board for 27 years is another record for any individual cooperator. Another accomplishment of Dr. Vishwanathan is his record 42 years long tenure as the Director on the Board of Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Ltd. (IFFCO).
He is the founder of National Institute for Rural Banking with the funding support of Rabobank, Netherlands and the Long-Term Cooperative Credit Structure. He continues to be its Chairman for 30 years making it a prestigious and successful organisation in developing human resources of cooperative credit and banking institutions.
Dr. Vishwanathan was also an eminent legislator who served as the Member of Legislative Council of Karnataka for two terms, for a period of 12 years. He was also a member of the Senate and Syndicate of the Mysore University.
He also founded several bodies– National Institute of Rural Banking, Bengaluru; National Film and Fine Arts Cooperative, New Delhi; Karnataka State Film and Fine Arts Cooperative, Bengaluru and CICOPA, Bangalore which is affiliated to International Organisation of Industrial, Artisanal and Service Producers’ Cooperatives, are among institutions which came in to being at his initiative. Dr. Vishwanathan continues to patronize and foster these institutions even today.
Indian Cooperative joins others in paying its tributes to the great soul!
(with input from Sanjay Verma, NCUI media head)