Cooperative principles unite people: D K Shivakumar at silver jubilee celebrations of Navodaya Self-Help Group

Shivakumar emphasised the importance of peace and harmony for the district's progress and reiterated the government's commitment to public welfare, noting the implementation of five guarantee schemes as promised.

Mangaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said that the Navodaya Self-Help Group (SHG), which began its journey 25 years ago, has illuminated the lives of lakhs of mothers and their families by empowering them socially and economically.

Speaking after inaugurating the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Navodaya Grama Vikasa Charitable Trust and Navodaya SHGs at Bangrakulur on the outskirts of the city, Shivakumar noted, “During the tenure of SM Krishna as Chief Minister, when I served as the Cooperation Minister, I had inaugurated the Navodaya Grama Vikasa Charitable Trust in Karkala. The light that was kindled then continues to shine on countless families even today.”

“A woman is the light of the family. We must empower her economically. That’s why we initiated the Stree Shakti groups and introduced various government-supported programmes. Since then, Rajendra Kumar has remained a cooperative leader in the coastal region, serving selflessly without aspiring for any position,” he added.

Sharing his own roots in the cooperative movement, the Deputy CM said he started his political career as the director of a cooperative society. “Cooperative principles unite people. Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts are known for their educational institutions and strong banking systems. The people here are disciplined and repay their loans promptly. We must further develop this region to ensure our educated youth find employment locally.”

He emphasised the importance of peace and harmony for the district's progress and reiterated the government's commitment to public welfare, noting the implementation of five guarantee schemes as promised.

Empowerment of women key to development

Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot highlighted the transformative power of women’s empowerment. “Empowering women strengthens the family’s financial base and propels national progress. In today's digital world, digital literacy is just as vital as economic empowerment. We must collectively work towards building an Atma Nirbhar Bharat.”

Assembly Speaker U T Khader called for efforts to build a hate-free and addiction-free society. “This is essential to make India a global superpower. Women play a crucial role by educating their children to lead successful lives. The women of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi have shown how to lead lives of self-respect by contributing to the family economy through work in tile factories, cashew processing units, and the beedi industry.”

Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade said, “At a time when tensions are rising along the India-Pakistan border, we must all pray for peace and safety. Discipline and adherence to rules are essential for the survival and success of any organisation.”

Pejawar Mutt Seer Vishwaprasanna Theertha Swamiji noted that Lord Krishna himself upheld cooperative principles. “In times of border tension, let us stand united and support the government,” he said.

Excise Minister R B Timmapur, MLAs R Ashok, Dr Y Bharath Shetty, D Vedavyasa Kamath, Bhagirathi Murulya, Sunil Kumar, Gurme Suresh Shetty, Yashpal Suvarna, MLC Manjunath Bhandari, MP Kota Srinivas Poojary, former minister Murgesh Nirani and others were present.