What stood out most at the NCCF AGM held at the NCUI Headquarters on Saturday was the confidence and command with which Chairman Vishal Singh conducted the proceedings, even in the presence of veteran cooperative leaders such as Dileep Sanghani, Chandra Pal Singh Yadav and Bijender Singh.
With a handheld microphone, Vishal intervened at regular intervals to ensure discipline and smooth conduct of the meeting. The AGM itself differed from the usual format, as members and leaders freely exchanged views, an interaction made easier by the intimate setting of the smaller hall.
Several key issues were resolved on the spot. The approach was noteworthy: members raised matters, Vishal sought guidance from seasoned cooperators like Sanghani and Bijender Singh, and decisions were quickly arrived at with the backing of the General Body.
Two major decisions stood out. The first was to facilitate NCCF procurement through member societies, mirroring the recent announcement made for NAFED members.
Vishal’s leadership was also evident during an exchange involving a delegate from Bihar, who referred to the recent shift of control of Biscomaun to Vishal. The delegate remarked that many members had “made a U-turn (palti marli)” from the former Chairman Sunil Singh’s camp to Vishal’s side in the run-up to cooperative elections in Bihar.
Vishal stepped in promptly and corrected the perception. “No, you have not made a U-turn, it is simply a case of ghar-wapasi, homecoming,” he said. What he implied was that many of these leaders had long-standing ties with his family but had moved away after the untimely demise of his father, Ajit Singh.
Vishal comes from a rich cooperative lineage. His grandfather, Tapeshwar Singh, was a legendary cooperator who also served as NCUI President. His father, Ajit Singh, was a former Chairman of NAFED.
At the AGM, Vishal showed himself to be a true successor to this legacy, combining humility towards senior leaders with clarity about NCCF’s direction.
He also demonstrated emotional intelligence; when the MD, who is not fluent in Hindi, addressed the gathering, he repeatedly encouraged members to applaud her, signaling his intent to take the entire team along. His gestures reflected the instincts of an inclusive and effective leader.
Overall, the AGM not only highlighted decisive decision-making but also showcased Vishal’s ability to balance tradition, respect, and assertive leadership, attributes that firmly position him as a rising force in the cooperative sector.
