Cooperative Week 2025 Inaugurated with Assistive Devices Distributed to 550 Beneficiaries
Namchi, November 14:
The 72nd All India Cooperative Week Celebration was inaugurated today at the Namchi Government College Auditorium by the Sikkim State Cooperative Union (SICUN), in collaboration with the Composite Regional Centre (CRC), Sikkim and the Cooperation Department, Namchi District.
The programme opened with a tribute to mark 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram. The Chief Guest, Deputy Speaker of the Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Smt. Raj Kumari Thapa, stressed the importance of empowering youth to strengthen the cooperative movement, noting that digital literacy among young people can significantly enhance the sector’s competitiveness. She acknowledged the support of the state government in the growth of the cooperative sector and appreciated CRC and the Welfare Department for providing assistive devices to beneficiaries.
SICUN Chairman, Dr. Mangal Jit Rai, highlighted that Cooperative Week will be observed from November 14 to 20 across all districts, aligning with the International Year of Cooperatives. He underscored the national theme, “Cooperatives as Vehicles for Atmanirbhar Bharat,” and reiterated SICUN’s commitment to building a resilient cooperative ecosystem.
CRC Director, Smt. Puspanjali Gupta, presented an overview of CRC’s rehabilitation services and initiatives for persons with disabilities, emphasising the need for inter-departmental collaboration for inclusive progress.
A major feature of the event was the distribution of need-based assistive devices to 550 Divyangjan and senior citizens of Namchi District. The aids included mobility devices, hearing aids, vision-support tools and other essential assistive equipment.
SICUN CEO, Shri Phadung Bhutia, outlined the national and district-level themes for the week, focusing on cooperative governance and digital transformation. ARCS Namchi, Shri Sidhant Rai, delivered the day’s sub-theme on digitalisation and highlighted key achievements of cooperative societies in the district.
Messages from the Hon’ble Governor, Chief Minister and the Minister, RDD & Cooperation Department, were read out during the programme.
The event included a welcome address by Smt. Bishnu Maya Manger, Board of Director, SICUN and concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri P.P. Sharma, Vice Chairman, SICUN. The programme was conducted by Shri Jit Man Rai, CDO, SICUN, and ended with the National Anthem.
