In the cooperative world, where consensus matters more than campaigns, the re-election of Dr. Chandra Pal Singh Yadav as ICA–AP President did not happen overnight. It was shaped by a powerful combination: Chandra Pal’s towering leadership, the overwhelming will power of cooperators from India and NCUI Deputy CE Savitri Singh’s masterful behind-the-scenes networking.
While Dr. Yadav’s decades of experience, integrity, and unwavering commitment to cooperative values formed the strongest pillar of his win, Savitri’s deft coordination, quiet diplomacy, and focused outreach across Asia-Pacific delegations complemented his leadership by ensuring every supporter was aligned at the right moment.
Insiders reveal that Savitri worked tirelessly, on the phone, in meeting corridors, and through long-standing international relationships, bridging gaps, calming concerns, and stitching together a broad coalition of support.
Meanwhile, Dr. Yadav’s leadership remained the emotional anchor of this victory. His image as a calm negotiator, a champion of cooperative democracy, and a trusted voice for small farmers and grassroots workers resonated deeply across nations, from South Asia to Oceania.
Compared to his first term, Chandra Pal’s re-election was relatively easier this time, largely because in the intervening four-year term, ICA-AP achieved significant progress in strengthening the cooperative network across the region.
In an informal chat with this correspondent, Chandra Pal said that the work achieved during the past term was widely appreciated by members, who unanimously felt he should continue for a second term. That, he said, partly explains why there were no other nominations for the President’s post.
Savitri, an NCUI employee long associated with ICA-AP on deputation, also mobilized her old contacts to amplify the good work done during Chandra Pal’s term. She worked exceptionally hard to ensure his success, admitted those closely associated with her.
The overwhelming sentiment of Indian cooperators also played a decisive role in his re-election, insiders point out. Not only the Indian voters in the ICA-AP elections but the entire cooperative fraternity of India backed his candidature. This was clearly reflected in the remarks of NCUI President Dileep Sanghani.
Speaking to Indian Cooperative, Sanghani said that although he could not travel to Colombo, his best wishes were with Dr. Yadav. “I have asked every cooperator friend to support Chandra Palji,” he said. Sources add that as NCUI President, Sanghani’s nomination to the ICA-AP Board was expected, but he chose to give it a go-by in favour of Chandra Pal, displaying a true cooperative spirit.
Humbled by the massive support and emotional outpouring from Indian cooperators across the states, Chandra Pal promised to take the Indian cooperative flag “higher and higher.” “We will work hard, and we will work together,” he said over the phone from Colombo.
