King of Co-op Bank Dr Rajendra Kumar Felicitated for 25 Glorious Years as President
Mangaluru: The Silver Jubilee celebrations of Dr Rajendra Kumar as President was held at Nehru Maidan here on January 19.
Prior to the programme, a colourful procession was held from SCDCC Bank premises to Nehru Maidan. The colourful procession was flagged off by the Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers and Minister of Statistics and Programme Implementation Sadananda Gowda.
The programme began with a state Anthem. President of Celebration Committee Ikalabava Devi Prasad Shetty welcomed the gathering. The programme was inaugurated by the Dharmadhikari of the Dharmasthala D. Veerendra Heggade by lighting the traditional lamp along with other dignitaries on the dais.
Addressing the gathering Sadananda Gowda said, “Dr Rajendra Kumar has served in the Co-operative bank for 25 years. The Co-operative Society brings all the other societies together. He has worked for the development of the co-operative society and nurtured the self-help groups. I wish him good health to continue his service. “
District Minister In-charge U T Khader addressing the gathering said, “It is history that Dr Rajendra Kumar has completed 25 years as the president of SCDCC Bank. I congratulate him on behalf of the people of the district. Dr Rajendra Kumar has done justice with the people of Rural areas by starting Self-help groups. He has taken special interest to develop the Co-operative societies in the Rural areas and helped them to lead a respectful life in the society.”
Dr Rajendra Kumar was felicitated with Mysuru Peta, Shawl, a garland of 25 varieties of flowers, Citation and Memento by the Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala Dr Veerendra Heggade along with other dignitaries.
Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala Dr Veerendra Heggade released the book “Akara Grantha”, on the occasion. Minister for Co-operation Bandeppa Manikappa Kashempur inaugurated the Museum at the SCDCC Bank premises.
In his felicitation speech, Dr Rajendra Kumar said, “Today if I have completed 25 years of my service as president then it is because of all the members of the co-operative society. I dedicate my achievements to all the members of SCDCC. We heard that farmers in many districts and states commit suicide but in our district, we don’t find any such cases. Farmers in other states and districts are even unable to repay the loan but in our district, we have 100% repayment of the loan. I would like to thank all the women who are members of self-help groups for coming from far away places to attend this programme. This is your programme if there are any issues in food or anything I apologize but treat this as your own programme. I have served in the co-operative bank for 25 years, and if God willing I will continue my service and make this Bank a model in the country.”
Addressing the gathering Dharmadikari Dr Veerendra Heggade said, “We have to respect our work be it small or big, likewise we should not degrade anyone based on their work. Those who are in the Self-Help groups do not neglect your work. We need to start with small things. Grow your self-help groups with dedication and determination. Co-operative societies in our district are very strong compared to other places in the country. Now, most of the people are educated and the few who are illiterates are good in business. Without any education, many have prospered through co-operative societies and self-help groups. I congratulate Dr Rajendra Kumar for completing 25 years. Let the Co-operative banks grow in other districts too. Let the presidents from other districts come to DK and study on how the Co-operate bank has prospered. In other districts, people do not sit for such a long time for any programmes. I am proud of you for your patience, all of you have great respect for Dr Rajendra Kumar.”
MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and Kota Srinivas Poojary also spoke on the occasion. Former District minister in-charge Ramanath Rai, Former minister Abhaychandra Jain, Mayor Bhasker Moily, MLC Bhoje Gowda, former MLA Shakuntala Shetty and others were also present.
Sashikumar Rai delivered the vote of thanks. Manohar Prasad compered the programme.