222/2025-2026

Aizawl, 3rd September 2025: As part of the observance of the International Year of Cooperatives (2025), Aizawl Government College and the Cooperation Department jointly organized a Cooperative Awareness Programme for AGC students in Aizawl today. The programme was held at the Government Aizawl College’s  Conference Hall, Mualpui, with Cooperation Minister Pu P.C. Vanlalruata as the Chief Guest and Pu Udit Prakash Rai, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Cooperation Department, as the Guest of Honour. The event was chaired by Pu John L.T. Sanga, MCS, Registrar of Cooperative Societies.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest Pu P.C. Vanlalruata, Minister of Cooperation, stated that since the UN has already declared the “International Year of Cooperatives” twice, it clearly highlights the global significance of cooperatives. This year’s theme is “Cooperatives Build a Better World.”

He further noted that the Cooperation Department has been working diligently to strengthen the movement and is exploring ways for educated and talented youth to actively engage in it. Alongside awareness campaigns, the department is also organizing an essay writing competition for college students, he added.

The Minister remarked that in today’s world, with limited government employment opportunities, individuals must increasingly turn towards self-employment. Cooperatives, he said, provide a practical platform for people to create livelihoods not only for themselves but also for others. In celebration of the International Year of Cooperatives, the department is making strong efforts to promote and expand the cooperative movement across Mizoram.

He urged the college students, who have kept themselves free from drug abuse, to take keen interest in cooperatives and view them as a pathway to self-employment. Referring to the “Hand Holding Scheme,” he assured them that opportunities and support are readily available. “By utilizing cooperatives, you can help build a better Mizoram,” he emphasized.

Pu Udit Prakash Rai also spoke on the occasion, emphasizing that cooperatives are a well-structured form of association, governed by proper acts and rules, which enable people to pool resources and conduct business effectively. He observed that the Mizo community, being closely knit and naturally inclined towards collective effort, is particularly well-suited to the cooperative model. He further remarked that for the Mizos, “every year is like a Year of Cooperatives.” He appealed to college students and youth to embrace the cooperative movement and make use of it not only for their own meaningful progress but also for the overall betterment of Mizoram.

The programme was held in two sessions. The first session concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Lalsangzuala Khiangte, Vice Principal, Govt. Aizawl College. The second session continued with technical lectures delivered by resource persons Pu R. Lalthlengliana, Field Education Officer, MSCU, and Pu Lalrinmawia, Assistant Registrar, RCS Office, for the benefit of the students of Aizawl Government College.

Aizawl, 3rd September 2025: As part of the observance of the International Year of Cooperatives (2025), Aizawl Government College and the Cooperation Department jointly organized a Cooperative Awareness Programme for AGC students in Aizawl today. The programme was held at the Government Aizawl College’s  Conference Hall, Mualpui, with Cooperation Minister Pu P.C. Vanlalruata as the Chief Guest and Pu Udit Prakash Rai, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Cooperation Department, as the Guest of Honour. The event was chaired by Pu John L.T. Sanga, MCS, Registrar of Cooperative Societies.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest Pu P.C. Vanlalruata, Minister of Cooperation, stated that since the UN has already declared the “International Year of Cooperatives” twice, it clearly highlights the global significance of cooperatives. This year’s theme is “Cooperatives Build a Better World.”

He further noted that the Cooperation Department has been working diligently to strengthen the movement and is exploring ways for educated and talented youth to actively engage in it. Alongside awareness campaigns, the department is also organizing an essay writing competition for college students, he added.

The Minister remarked that in today’s world, with limited government employment opportunities, individuals must increasingly turn towards self-employment. Cooperatives, he said, provide a practical platform for people to create livelihoods not only for themselves but also for others. In celebration of the International Year of Cooperatives, the department is making strong efforts to promote and expand the cooperative movement across Mizoram.

He urged the college students, who have kept themselves free from drug abuse, to take keen interest in cooperatives and view them as a pathway to self-employment. Referring to the “Hand Holding Scheme,” he assured them that opportunities and support are readily available. “By utilizing cooperatives, you can help build a better Mizoram,” he emphasized.

Pu Udit Prakash Rai also spoke on the occasion, emphasizing that cooperatives are a well-structured form of association, governed by proper acts and rules, which enable people to pool resources and conduct business effectively. He observed that the Mizo community, being closely knit and naturally inclined towards collective effort, is particularly well-suited to the cooperative model. He further remarked that for the Mizos, “every year is like a Year of Cooperatives.” He appealed to college students and youth to embrace the cooperative movement and make use of it not only for their own meaningful progress but also for the overall betterment of Mizoram.

The programme was held in two sessions. The first session concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Lalsangzuala Khiangte, Vice Principal, Govt. Aizawl College. The second session continued with technical lectures delivered by resource persons Pu R. Lalthlengliana, Field Education Officer, MSCU, and Pu Lalrinmawia, Assistant Registrar, RCS Office, for the benefit of the students of Aizawl Government College.