Press release Rajbhavan, Sikkim Date: 15 October 2025

Press release

Rajbhavan, Sikkim

Date: 15 October 2025

A grand ceremony was organized today in Rajbhavan on the occasion of International Cooperative Year 2025. This year's theme was "Cooperation Makes a Better World".

Honorable Governor of Sikkim Mr. Om Prakash Mathur present as Chief Guest on this occasion. Hon'ble Chief Minister Mr. Prem Singh Tamang attended the function as special guest.

Honorable Minister of Cooperation and Rural Development Mr. Arun Upreti, MLA and DACS of Namchi-Singithang Region K Chairman Mr. Satish Chandra Rai, Chief Secretary Mr. R. Telang, Former Secretary of Cooperative Department Mrs. Gloria Namchu, Secretary Jabi Thapa and other distinguished guests also graced the program with their dignified presence.

Exhibition of products were organized by various cooperative organizations of the state under the program, including SIMFED, Sikkim Cooperative Milk Producers Union Ltd., MPCS, Tailoring Units participated. The exhibition showcased the diversity of local products of Sikkim which was observed by the Hon'ble Governor with special guests.

The Governor said in his address that the first step towards building a better world through cooperation should be taken from his village. He exemplified states like Gujarat and Maharashtra that where co-operative institutions were empowered, prosperity himself knocked.

"When the cooperative structure in the village is strong, that village will be completed automatically. Honorable Governor.

He pointing towards the immense possibilities of development through cooperation in Sikkim, said that the developed village is the foundation of developed India. Citing the specific product made from Sikkim's yak's milk 'Chhurpi', he said that if it gets proper marketing, it could be widely demanded country and abroad. Similarly, Sikkim's organic products also emphasized on identifying nationally and internationally and empowering marketing.

The Governor gave special emphasis on the maximum participation of women in advancing the cooperative movement. He said every person has the ability to get through something, just needs to recognize and encourage. He urged the Department of Cooperatives to promote innovation and said farmers' active participation could take the sector to new heights. Also, they also emphasized the need for a more active role of farmer producing organizations and agricultural science centers.

Tarethang Multipurpose Cooperative Committee presented Sangini Dance on Cooperative Theme.

During this time, the initiatives of the Ministry of Cooperation were presented through video presentation

Cooperative Song & Anthem released, followed by the inauguration of e-cooperative gallery, dedicated to Sikkim's cooperative heritage to the coming generations.

In this order, Assam Lingje Multipurpose Cooperative Committee presented a short play based on the state government initiative 'Mero Rukh Mero Santati'.

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