Surat, Gujarat [India]: The river of cooperation flows seamlessly, bound by no shores. Wherever it goes, it nurtures development and economic strength. Cooperation is not just a word; it is a cornerstone of social upliftment. Each of us, knowingly or unknowingly, is part of this system—a contributor to it.
From the unification of princely states under Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to the mass support for Gandhi’s Quit India movement, cooperation has always been integral to India’s fabric, making it safe to say that the spirit of cooperation is timeless.
India’s cooperative tradition is deeply rooted in its ancient history, forming an essential part of its economic structure. Even Kautilya’s Arthashastra highlights the cooperative framework of rural economies that foster employment and social development. Post-independence, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India established a dedicated Ministry of Cooperation for the first time. With Amit Shah as the Union Minister, this ministry has undertaken significant initiatives under the motto “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” (Prosperity Through Cooperation).
In July 2024, I had the privilege of representing India at the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) meeting held at the United Nations headquarters in the USA. During my address, I invited ICA to host its global conference in India under IFFCO’s stewardship, which the ICA board graciously approved.
This led to the 132-year-old ICA’s International Conference being hosted in Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, in November 2024. Over 1,500 delegates from 107 countries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bhutan’s PM Shering Tobgay, Fiji’s Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica, and ICA President Ariel Guarco, graced the event. At the conference, the UN declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives, marking the start of a historic journey.
The conference included numerous interactive sessions and discussions, where global cooperative leaders expressed keen interest in India’s cooperative movement. Many expressed a desire to collaborate on various initiatives, reinforcing the global sentiment of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world is one family.
Reflecting on my early days as a cooperative worker and founder of the Vasundhara Trust in 1995, I felt a profound connection to this philosophy. The trust aimed to promote harmony not just among humans but across all living beings, a vision realized during this conference.
India’s cooperative framework has emerged as a model of inspiration for other nations. The motto “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” is now embraced beyond borders, with the ICA Global Conference catalyzing significant policy advancements. These include empowering cooperative ecosystems, strengthening cooperative identity, fostering purposeful leadership, and establishing equitable and sustainable practices.
During my presidential address at the closing ceremony, I emphasized that “Cooperation is the only alternative for a peaceful and bloodless revolution.” This statement was met with resounding applause, reflecting a shared global vision.
The ICA Global Conference concluded with cultural programs, adding yet another feather to the cap of India’s cooperative legacy. After the event, international delegates visited iconic Indian landmarks, including the Parliament House in Delhi, the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, the Taj Mahal in Agra, Varanasi, and Jaipur, furthering India’s rich cultural exchange with the world.
