Speaking at the inauguration of the 72nd All India Cooperative Week at NCUI headquarters, Vice-President Bijendra Singh-who presided over the meeting-said that while individuals may not become Ambani, Adani or Tata, collective strength through cooperatives can surpass large corporates.
Explaining the power of cooperatives in simple terms, Bijendra said that when hundreds and thousands of people work together under a cooperative behemoth, a vast pool of human resources, funds and skills is created at one place.
Leveraging these for the benefit of all-and not for one-is the true spirit of cooperation, he noted. An old hand at the sector, Bijendra has earlier headed both NAFED and NCCF.
In the absence of NCUI President Dileep Sanghani, who was in Jordan collaborating with the Jordanian government, Singh chaired Friday’s Coop Week meeting.
India is celebrating the 72nd All India Cooperative Week with great enthusiasm from 14th to 20th November 2025. This year’s theme is “Cooperatives as Vehicles for Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
The Indian Cooperative desk has been flooded with reports from across the country as states erupt in celebrations, reaffirming the vital role of cooperatives in driving inclusive growth, rural development and economic self-reliance.
At the national event in Delhi, Delhi Cooperation Minister Ravinder Singh (Indraj) was the Chief Guest, while ICA-AP President Dr. Chandrapal Singh Yadav, Bijendra Singh and other eminent cooperative leaders participated.
Reports from across India highlight an energetic start to the 72nd All India Cooperative Week, with each state showcasing its own initiatives to strengthen the cooperative movement.
In Haryana, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini inaugurated the Week in Sonipat, calling cooperation a key pathway for rural development and acknowledging national efforts to empower the sector.
Uttar Pradesh opened its celebrations in Lucknow with a strong emphasis on digitization, highlighting major progress in PACS computerization, Aadhaar-linked services and large-scale membership expansion.
In Maharashtra, Cosmos Bank marked the occasion by unfurling the Cooperative Flag and reaffirming its commitment to cooperative-led development.
In Agra, BBSSL organized a national awareness programme focused on empowering PACS through the new National Cooperative Policy and showcased technology tools such as the Shakti App.
Mizoram joined the national celebrations with Chief Minister Lalduhoma urging cooperatives to support farmers, artisans and local entrepreneurs.
Goa launched its Week-long programmes in Panaji with participation from major cooperative and banking leaders.
Odisha emphasized community participation through a statewide Mass Run led by the cooperation minister, while Sikkim focused on youth involvement and land revival under its “Connect to Earth” initiative.
Rajasthan celebrated with a three-day Sahakar Mela in Udaipur, highlighting cooperative products and rural enterprise.
Across states, the celebrations reflect a strong national reaffirmation of cooperative values and grassroots growth.
Yes. Fine address and idea by Dr. Bijender Singh.