The Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS) Office in Kohima, Nagaland joined the global celebration of the International Day of Cooperatives 2025 under the theme “Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World” at RCS Office Kohima.

In his address, Minister for Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) & Cooperation, Jacob Zhimomi highlighted about the growing importance of the cooperative movement in the state and across the country. The Minister also extended heartfelt congratulations to all cooperative societies and emphasized the critical role they play in promoting inclusive economic development.

“This is a significant day for all of us. The creation of a separate Ministry of Cooperation at the Centre is a testament to how essential this movement is to India’s future. As we aspire to become the world’s third-largest economy, cooperatives must be at the forefront of our journey.” He added.

Zhimomi also mentioned the gathering that India has around six and a half lakh cooperative societies, while Nagaland alone has over 8,000 registered cooperatives. However, he underscored that quantity must be matched by quality.

“We want performance, not just numbers. The government will support every society that delivers, but there will be scrutiny for those who do not. We will not let anyone suffer, but results matter,” he added.

Furthermore, the Minister also highlighted the department’s initiatives to integrate technology into cooperative functioning through digitization and the conduct of regular seminars and reviews. He also urged the involvement of youth, and encouraged entrepreneurs to utilize land as capital.

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“We are fortunate to have land—this is our strength. Let your land be your guarantor,” he added. The Minister also stressed the need for Nagas to be consistent and committed in their efforts.

While speaking about social attitudes and work ethics, Zhimomi said, “We cannot expect everything from the government. Many of us avoid hard work and look for easy money. But real growth requires persistence, humility, and responsibility.” He also emphasized that the dignity of labour must be restored and that social habits need reform if Nagaland is to truly progress.

In conclusion, Zhimomi called on educated citizens to share knowledge with others, promote mutual support, and embrace the spirit of cooperation at all levels—household, village, and community. “Nagaland must become part of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, and this will be possible only through community-driven cooperation,” he said.

Orenthung Lotha , Commissioner and Secretary, Cooperation & IPR in his welcome address highlighted that each year on the first Saturday of July, cooperators from every corner of the globe unite in a shared vision to celebrate International Cooperative Day (CoopsDay) to highlight the power of cooperation in building a more sustainable, inclusive, and democratic world.

He mentioned that this year’s theme “Cooperatives: Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World” could not be timelier.

He said, “A day that reminds us not only of the historical roots of the cooperative movement, but of its urgent relevance to the challenges we face in today’s world. Co-incidentally the year 2025 has also been declared as International Year of Cooperative by United Nation. Under the theme “Cooperatives built a better world”.

He further added that CoopsDay is more than just a commemoration. “It is a recognition of who we are, what we do, and why it matters. It is a celebration of you—the members, workers, leaders, and everyday champions who make the cooperative- movement not just a structure, but a living force for good,” he said.

The event also featured presentations from successful local cooperative societies, including Village Agri & Allied Cooperative Society Ltd., Kohima, Shurho Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd., Kohima, Life Elaichi Agri & Allied Cooperative Society Ltd., Tuensang, and Atsisa Large Area Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd., Kiphire. Their stories of resilience and innovation were a testament to the potential of grassroots enterprise when nurtured through cooperation and collective will.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Alangla Tonger, Additional Registrar of Cooperative Societies, who acknowledged the contributions of all participants and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to strengthening cooperative structures across the state.