NCUI President visits Leh-Ladakh to connect to local co-ops

In a first for any national level co-op leader, NCUI President Dileepbhai Sanghani is visiting cooperatives in Leh and Ladakh and motivating co-operators to strengthen the co-op movement in the hilly areas. The NCUI Deputy CEO Savitiri Singh is accompanying him.

Talking to the Indian Cooperative, Sanghani said that he was impressed by the motivation level of co-operators of the areas as they carry the co-op flag afloat despite several odds. Sanghani said he was also touched by their warm reception.

On 5th September 2023, Sanghani participated in the Annual General Meeting of Looms of Ladakh Women Cooperatives and addressed the members of the cooperatives from Leh and Kargil districts in Kuzey.

In his address, Sanghani said, “Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi formed a separate cooperation ministry and gave the charge to Union Home Minister Amit Shah as the first cooperation minister. The Ministry’s objective is to fulfil the vision of ‘Sahakar Se Samriddhi’ and in this direction the Union Ministry of Cooperation launched several initiatives to strengthen the cooperative movement of the country”, he added.

Sanghani also shared ideas about employment generation through cooperatives and strengthening cooperation in inaccessible areas of the country.

He also listed out the activities undertaken by NCUI in empowering cooperatives across states. The NCUI is ready to collaborate with Looms of Ladakh in imparting training to its members.

The NCUI President praised the work and progress achieved by Looms of Ladakh Women’s Cooperative under the able leadership of Abhilasha Bahuguna, the founder Director and their devotion and commitment of the members of this organization.

Mrs Savitri Singh, Deputy CEO NCUI, also addressed the Members and said that her organisation will always be there to extend help to Looms of Ladakh.

Sanghani visited several historical places during his trip to Ladakh. “Visited Leh Palace during my stay in Ladakh to attend the Annual General Meeting of Looms of Ladakh Women’s Cooperative. Mrs. Savitri Singh, Dy. CEO, NCUI and Mrs. Abhilasha Bahuguna, Founder Director, Loom of Ladakh were also present”, Sanghani wrote on ‘X’.

Ms Tsering Youdol proposed a vote of thanks. The program was coordinated by Ms Amina.

The story of Looms of Ladakh began in 2013, when Abhilasha Bahuguna had become aware of the dwindling interest of Pashmina artisans in Kashmir despite Pashmina being the forbearer of a highly profitable global Cashmere industry.

Sanghani who is also the Chairman of IFFCO said that the co-ops of the area would be connected not only with the NCUI but also with IFFCO.