He impacted people’s lives and changed them for the better. The sadness in the voices of those who worked with him says it all. Everyone knew he would retire one day, yet no one is ready to accept the inevitability of superannuation. While some still argue he should continue, others-less selfish-say, let him go and find peace; after all, he has turned 80.
The IFFCO family in particular, and the cooperative sector in general, has bid a tearful adieu to the “Fertilizer Man,” Dr. U.S. Awasthi.
Our desk has compiled some reactions-some shared directly and others drawn from social media posts.
EXCERPTS
Dr. Chandra Pal Singh Yadav, ICA-AP and KRIBHCO Chairman, reflected on his long association with Dr Awasthi, saying, “I have known Dr Awasthi since 1993, when I was a Director on the Board of IFFCO. IFFCO then and IFFCO now reflect his true mettle.
He did historic work in the fertilizer sector in general and in IFFCO’s development in particular. His contribution to the cooperative movement is immense. The transformation we witnessed at IFFCO, from earth to sky, was possible because of his leadership.
On behalf of the Asia-Pacific cooperative movement, we congratulate him. I have also talked to him on the phone wishing him a peaceful and fulfilling future life. We intend to hold a separate felicitation program to honour him.
Dileepbhai Sanghani, Chairman of IFFCO, said, “Dr Awasthi’s dedication, vision, and passion have made IFFCO a household name in the farming community. His leadership not only brought prosperity to the cooperative sector but also elevated IFFCO to a global platform. We value his contributions with immense pride and respect.”
Satish Marathe, RBI Board Member and cooperative stalwart, concluded, “We will miss Dr Awasthiji – The Fertiliser Man of India!”
Jyotindra Mehta, President of NUCFDC, stated, “Dr Awasthiji created history in the cooperative sector. Words fall short to express our gratitude to the person who gave new height and identity to the cooperative sector.
Awasthiji made history and is respected for his nation building exercises across the country!
Balu Iyer, Regional Director ICA AP: Dr. Awasthi’s inspired and visionary leadership catapulted IFFCO into one of the largest and most respected cooperatives in the world. His unwavering commitment to cooperative values, innovation, and member-centric growth has left a lasting legacy not only in India but globally. On a personal note, when I first joined ICA-AP, Dr. Awasthi was the very first person I reached out to-and he responded with warmth, encouragement, and generosity.
Over the years, I have continued to be inspired by his leadership, especially his dedication to ensuring IFFCO’s deep care for its members, its constant pursuit of innovation, and its steadfast adherence to cooperative principles. It is fitting that his extraordinary contributions were recognized with the Rochdale Pioneer Award in 2024-a truly well-deserved honor. I wish Dr. Awasthi a joyful, healthy, and fulfilling post-retirement life.
Ravindra Rao, Chairman, NAFSCOB, emphasized, “Dr Awasthi has devoted his entire life to the growth of IFFCO. He is a great administrator with excellent management skills, who took IFFCO to its pinnacle, making it the largest cooperative in the world. I have visited a couple of fertilizer plants and could see his passion everywhere. My PACS has been a member of IFFCO for over 15 years, and I’ve always admired how he kept the IFFCO flag flying high. I wish him all the very best in the next chapter of his life.”
Vishal Singh, Chairman, NCCF, offered a personal reflection, stating, “Dr Awasthi’s contribution in bringing IFFCO to this level in the global fertilizer industry is unmatched. My father was on IFFCO’s board, and I have known Awasthi’s Ji since 2007. I closely witnessed his impactful leadership. His role in projects like VPCL in Bihar was significant, he truly brought life into cooperative initiatives.”
Jitendra Tiwari, Chairman, IFFCO Officers’ Association: As you retire after a historic journey with IFFCO, I feel immense admiration and gratitude. Your impact goes beyond the organization and the industry-you’ve touched lives, including mine, with your wisdom, warmth, and unwavering guidance. Every interaction with you left me enriched.
You envisioned a better future for farmers and turned those dreams into reality. The revolutionary introduction of Nano Liquid Urea and Nano Liquid DAP has transformed Indian agriculture for generations. You didn’t just lead-you inspired, uplifted, and changed lives.
What sets you apart is not just your remarkable achievements, but the heart and values behind them. You stood for what is right, good, and sustainable. IFFCO’s incredible growth under your leadership reflects your integrity, innovation, and commitment to service.
True leaders never leave-they live on in culture, values, and stories. You are one of those rare leaders whose legacy is eternal.
Vineet Nahata, Chairman, Co-op Taskforce, PHDCCI- I extend my heartiest congratulations to Dr. Udai Shankar Awasthi ji on his superannuation from the prestigious position of Managing Director, IFFCO.
Dr. U.S. Awasthi ji’s over four decades of visionary leadership, unwavering dedication, and deep-rooted commitment have been instrumental in shaping IFFCO’s remarkable growth trajectory. Under his stewardship, IFFCO has emerged as a global cooperative supergiant. His receipt of the Rochdale Pioneers Award—the highest honour conferred by the International Cooperative Alliance—is not only a personal milestone but also a moment of immense pride for the entire nation.
Bachansingh B. Chhabra- In spite of internal resistance and external pressure, Dr. Awasthi Sahab performed exceptionally well and brought IFFCO to great heights, making it the number one fertilizer company in the industry.
We wish him good health and a peaceful life after his retirement from IFFCO.
CA Pradeep Kumar- Dr. U.S. Awasthi ji is an integral part of IFFCO and the fertilizer world-truly irreplaceable.
Sankaralingam Arunachalam- Dr. Uday Shankar Awasthi is a wonderful personality whose contribution to the international cooperative movement, Indian cooperatives, and industrial development is monumental and will be remembered forever. Well done, Dr. Uday Shankar Awasthi Sir. He deserves immense appreciation.
Wishing him all the best.
Rajagopalan Kalyanasundaram- It is everyone’s wish that Dr. Uday Shankar Awasthi Sir continues as Chief of IFFCO. His remarkable vision, dedication, and leadership have left an indelible mark on the fertilizer industry. Before he joined IFFCO, technocrat Shri S.P. Sharma had said, “Awasthi ji is unmatched-both in India and abroad. IFFCO is getting one of the finest administrators.”