Kolhapur, Maharashtra: President Droupadi Murmu today graced the golden jubilee celebration of the Shri Warana Women Cooperative Group at Warananagar, Kolhapur. In her address, the President lauded the cooperative movement for its significant role in India’s economic development and stressed the need for cooperatives to adapt to modern challenges.
Speaking to an audience predominantly comprised of women, President Murmu highlighted the power of cooperation as a tool for harnessing the collective strength of society. She noted that the principles of cooperation align closely with the values of justice, unity, and fraternity outlined in the Indian Constitution. “When people from diverse backgrounds and ideologies come together in a spirit of cooperation, they benefit from social diversity and mutual support,” she said.
Citing successful examples like Amul and Lijjat Papad, the President emphasized how cooperatives have been instrumental in the nation’s rise as the world’s largest milk producer. “Cooperatives have played a key role in sectors beyond milk, including fertilizer, cotton, handloom, housing, edible oil, and sugar production,” she noted.
President Murmu also recognized the vital role that cooperative institutions have played in poverty alleviation, food security, and natural resource management. However, she urged these institutions to evolve with the times by incorporating technology and professional management practices. “Many cooperatives today face challenges such as lack of capital, governance issues, and low participation. Engaging the youth and integrating technology into governance and management can address these concerns,” she said, encouraging cooperatives to explore new areas such as organic farming, storage capacity building, and eco-tourism.
Highlighting the importance of transparency and democratic processes in cooperative organizations, the President stressed that cooperatives should always prioritize the interests of their members. “No cooperative should become a means of personal profit for any individual, as this undermines the very purpose of the movement. Real cooperation must prevail over monopoly,” she said.
The President concluded her speech by urging the audience, especially the women present, to recognize the importance of education, embrace new technologies, prioritize environmental conservation, and continue contributing to the nation’s development. “Our collective efforts will elevate India to new heights on the global stage,” she said.