Sahakar Bharati, India’s premier pan-India organization dedicated to strengthening the cooperative movement, marked its 47th Foundation Day today on 11th January with a series of vibrant celebrations and programs across the country.
On the occasion of Sahakar Bharati’s Foundation Day, Satish Marathe, one of the founding members, recalled the origins and growth of the organisation.
Sahakar Bharati’s Organising Secretary Sanjay Pachpor extended heartfelt greetings and highlighted the vital role of the cooperative sector in India’s socio-economic development.
Senior cooperator and a committed member of Sahakar Bharati, Jyotindra Mehta, also wrote on the occasion: “On the Foundation Day of Sahakar Bharati, we are inspired to work towards building a bright and promising future.”
In Mehsana, Gujarat, a flagship Sahakar Gaurav Samaroh was organized, drawing cooperative leaders, activists, and youth. The highlight of the ceremony was the release of the autobiography of the late Shri Atmaram Kaka, a revered figure in the cooperative sector whose life and work exemplified the philosophy “Bina Sanskar nahi Sahakar, bina Sahakar nahi Uddhar” (without values there is no cooperation; without cooperation there is no liberation). Guests lauded his contributions to community-driven economic development and called for renewed commitment to his principles.
Foundation Day events took place not only in Gujarat but across multiple states with diverse activities emphasizing cooperative growth. In regions such as Uttar Pradesh, Sahakar Bharati units have previously organized programs focusing on the socioeconomic impact of cooperatives on farmers, women, and rural communities, stressing that cooperative efforts can drive prosperity at the grassroots level.
Several local chapters extended the day’s celebrations with seminars, farmers’ conclaves, awareness campaigns and outreach activities aimed at educating both rural and urban populations about the importance of cooperatives. In Purnia (Bihar), for instance, earlier Foundation Day functions involved farmer gatherings where government and NGO initiatives supporting agriculture and rural development were discussed.
A recurring theme across celebrations is the emphasis on engaging educated youth in the cooperative movement. Organizers highlighted how well-structured cooperative societies and Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs) present golden opportunities for young professionals to build careers and contribute to rural revitalization. They argued that modernizing the cooperative sector and integrating it with digital technologies and entrepreneurial skill-building can make it appealing for the next generation.
The organization also reminded stakeholders of landmark developments in recent years that have bolstered the cooperative ecosystem, such as the establishment of a dedicated Cooperative Ministry by the Government of India in 2021, passage of key legislative reforms for the sector, and the launch of initiatives including multi-state cooperative societies and cooperative education platforms. Sahakar Bharati leaders welcomed these steps as catalysts for deeper cooperative engagement and broader socioeconomic impact.
The event, held under the guidance of Kantibhai L. Patel, National Vice President of Sahakar Bharati, aimed to highlight the role of cooperative values in social and economic upliftment.
In his message for the day, Kantibhai L. Patel reiterated Sahakar Bharati’s commitment to fostering cooperative awareness, autonomy of cooperative institutions, and inclusive growth. With voices from all over India echoing the foundation’s core mission, the 2026 Foundation Day was celebrated as a reaffirmation of cooperative values as a force for empowerment and sustainable development.
Cooperative enthusiasts and supporters nationwide extended heartfelt greetings to all members, wishing continued strength and progress for the cooperative movement.
