*Celebration of International Year of Cooperatives* *Divisional-Level Cooperative Function Held at Tagore Hall*
Srinagar, July 3, 2025:
The Department of Cooperatives, Jammu and Kashmir, organized a grand Divisional-Level Function at Tagore Hall, Srinagar, to commemorate the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, as declared by the United Nations under the global theme:
“Cooperatives Build a Better World.”
The event was graced by Shri Mohammad Shafiq Chak (JKAS), Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Jammu and Kashmir, who served as the Chief Guest. As part of the program, the Registrar inspected exhibition stalls set up by various cooperative societies and held brief, engaging interactions with their representatives.
In his welcome address, Shri Bashir Ahmad Wani, Additional Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Kashmir, highlighted the vital role of cooperatives in driving sustainable economic development, inclusive growth, and youth empowerment within the Union Territory. He shared the department’s vision for the cooperative movement in Jammu and Kashmir and emphasized the revival of primary cooperative societies, particularly in agriculture, dairy, handicrafts, and rural credit—contributing to the economic upliftment of the region.
Speakers from various cooperative societies shared personal insights into how the cooperative movement has transformed their lives and positively impacted their communities, underscoring the movement’s grassroots strength and social value.
The event also featured cultural performances, which beautifully showcased the cooperative ethos and community spirit unique to the region.
A special segment of the event included the felicitation of Best Performing Cooperative Societies as well as outstanding departmental officers and officials from across Kashmir Division, recognizing their contributions to the sector.
Addressing the gathering, Registrar Mohammad Shafiq Chak reflected on the historical legacy of the cooperative movement in Jammu and Kashmir and stressed the need for its revival, rooted in the core values of mutual aid, cooperation, and generosity. He described the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 as a moment of renewed purpose and pride, and urged stakeholders to work collectively toward restoring the sector’s past glory and realizing its full potential. He reiterated that cooperatives are not merely economic units but powerful social institutions, especially in rural and remote areas, enabling people to become self-reliant and economically active.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Shri Khalid Hussain Malik, Joint Registrar, Cooperative Societies Audit, Kashmir.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from Deputy Registrars, officials of the Cooperative Department, Allied Departments, representatives of Cooperative Unions, Cooperative Societies, and Cooperative Banks.
