India’s First Cooperative University

India’s First Cooperative University: Recently, the Union Home and Cooperation Minister laid the foundation stone for India’s first cooperative university, named “Tribhuvan” Sahkari University, in Anand, Gujarat.

• Key Highlights : The university is named after Tribhuvan Das Kishi Das Patel, a pioneer of India’s cooperative dairy movement.

o Spread over 125 acres and will be built at a cost of ₹500 crore.

o Envisioned as a comprehensive education, training, and research hub for the cooperative sector.

o Academic Focus: Offers courses in technical expertise, accounting, marketing, scientific approach, and values of cooperation.

ü To empower Dalits, tribals, women, and rural youth through cooperative values and leadership.

o Inspired by the inclusive spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and cooperative federalism.

• About Cooperatives : Independent, voluntary associations of individuals who come together to fulfill their shared economic, social, and cultural needs through a jointly-owned and democratically managed enterprise.

o In India, cooperatives are crucial to promoting inclusive and sustainable economic development, especially in rural regions.