Tura, July 6: The week-long Cooperative Week Celebration 2026, organised to mark the 5th Foundation Day of the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India, concluded on Monday with a closing programme at the All Garo Hills Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd. (AGHMPCS), Babadam.
The celebration, which featured awareness programmes, outreach activities and community engagements across West Garo Hills, concluded with a programme centred on the theme, “Youth Participation in the Growth and Development of Cooperatives.”
The event was jointly organised by the Office of the Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies (ARCS), West Garo Hills, Tura, in collaboration with the Meghalaya Cooperative Apex Bank Ltd. (MCAB), National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA), Tura Urban Cooperative Bank Ltd. (TUCB), and AGHMPCS.
The programme began with an opening prayer by CDP Rimchi T. Sangma, followed by a welcome song presented by Community Development Professionals (CDPs). In his welcome address, the Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies, West Garo Hills, highlighted the importance of strengthening the cooperative movement by encouraging greater youth participation in cooperative institutions.
A video presentation showcased the activities conducted during the week-long celebration, including awareness campaigns and outreach programmes organised across different parts of the district to promote the cooperative movement.
Addressing the gathering, Fr. Sunny underscored the crucial role of young people in strengthening cooperative societies and urged them to actively participate in community-based enterprises and cooperative leadership.
The programme also featured a group song by Chibisik MPCS and a presentation on the activities and achievements of AGHMPCS by Ianchi A. Sangma. The presentation highlighted the society’s initiatives in agricultural consultancy, microfinance, value addition through processing units and rural livelihood development.
As part of the Foundation Day celebrations, winners of the debate competition were felicitated, while outstanding staff members received recognition for their dedicated service. Cultural performances, including a skit presented by Chidilsa Piggery and Singwil MPCS, added colour to the occasion.
An interactive session with youth participants focused on expanding cooperative activities and creating employment opportunities through agriculture and entrepreneurship.
The programme concluded with remarks by the District Development Manager, NABARD, West Garo Hills, followed by a vote of thanks from Smt. Velorich D. Sangma, In-Charge of Dalu Block and Senior Cooperative Officer, West Garo Hills.
The week-long celebration concluded with a renewed commitment from the participating organisations to strengthen the cooperative movement in Meghalaya through rural empowerment, sustainable agriculture and greater youth participation in cooperative-led development.