At the prestigious Laxmanrao Inamdar Memorial lecture, organized by Mumbai University and Sahakar Bharati in Maharashtra, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, paid tribute to the enduring legacy of Shri Laxmanrao Inamdar. The event, attended by dignitaries including the Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Ramesh Bais, and Chief Minister, Shri Eknath Shinde, provided a platform to reflect on the profound influence of Inamdar in the cooperative sector.
Laxmanrao Inamdar: A Source of Inspiration
In his address, Amit Shah noted that Shri Laxmanrao Inamdar, born in Maharashtra and associated with Gujarat, had been a continual source of inspiration for the youth. Throughout his life, Inamdar received guidance from prominent leaders and activists across diverse fields. Shah highlighted that the individuals groomed by Inamdar had contributed significantly to Gujarat’s public life, guided by the values and principles instilled by him.
Transforming Lives Through Values
Shah emphasized Inamdar’s remarkable ability to imbue his associates with values, likening it to transforming them into something as precious as gold. Inamdar’s influence had led to a highly disciplined public life in Gujarat, leaving an indelible mark.
Perpetuating Inamdar’s Ideas
Amit Shah acknowledged that Mumbai University’s establishment of a chair in Laxmanrao Inamdar’s name had laid the foundation for perpetuating his ideas through students for generations to come. This gesture ensures that Inamdar’s principles continue to shape future leaders and influencers.
Inamdar’s Unique Contribution to Cooperation
Shri Amit Shah lauded Laxmanrao Inamdar’s unique contribution to the cooperative sector. Notably, Inamdar was neither a member nor an office-bearer of any cooperative society, yet his intellectual rigor and deep understanding of cooperation allowed him to address and rectify existing shortcomings within the cooperative sector.
The Role of Cooperation in India’s Development
The Union Home Minister highlighted the historical importance of cooperation in India, tracing its roots to 1904. Over time, cooperation spread across various states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Central India, Tamil Nadu, and Bengal. Cooperation, Shah noted, provided a distinct model that bridged the gap between socialist and capitalist ideologies.
A Humanity-Centric Model
Amit Shah emphasized the humanity-centric nature of the cooperative model, highlighting its role in rural and agricultural development. He discussed how cooperation had significantly contributed to prosperity, citing the success of Amul, where 36 lakh women engage in a milk business worth 60,000 crore rupees.
Cooperation: A Path to Prosperity
Shah stressed that cooperation is ideally suited to India’s needs, as it combines economic development with mass production and production by the masses. He noted that this approach not only accelerates the economy but also provides widespread employment opportunities, aligning with India’s growth ambitions.
The Current State of Cooperation
Amit Shah highlighted the remarkable reach of cooperation in India today, with 8.5 lakh cooperative societies, 30 crore members, and the presence of world-renowned cooperative societies like IFFCO, KRIBHCO, and Amul. India’s cooperative banks have also gained international recognition.
In essence, Amit Shah’s address underscored the enduring importance of cooperation in India’s development journey, paying homage to Shri Laxmanrao Inamdar’s vision and the critical role cooperation plays in shaping the nation’s future.
