Shillong, Aug 14: The usually quiet lawns of Raj Bhavan came alive on Thursday as Meghalaya Governor C.H. Vijayashankar inaugurated the first-ever exhibition by the state’s co-operative societies within the historic premises — a vibrant showcase of grassroots entrepreneurship and community-driven progress.
The event brought together a wide array of co-operative stalls — from farm produce and handcrafted goods to dairy, piggery, and tourism-based products — reflecting the sector’s diversity and growing economic footprint. Many visitors were quick to snap up the items, with some stalls selling out within hours. The Governor urged participants to restock ahead of the Independence Day public viewing on August 15, hinting at the possibility of making the exhibition an annual tradition.
The occasion also held symbolic significance, coinciding with the United Nations’ declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Co-operatives. Governor Vijayashankar underscored how the movement has long been a pillar of rural empowerment in Meghalaya, predating the state’s own birth. “From just 950 societies in the 1970s, we now have over 3,300 with nearly three lakh members — a testament to the resilience and unity of our communities,” he said, noting the vital role of women entrepreneurs in shaping the movement’s legacy.
He praised the state’s flagship missions — the Piggery Mission, Milk Mission, and tourism-focused co-operatives — as examples of how grassroots organisations can align with national goals like Viksit Bharat 2047. He also commended the Meghalaya Co-operative Apex Bank for its steady leadership in financing local ventures.
The Governor took time to meet artisans, farmers, and small business owners manning the stalls, listening to their stories of struggle, innovation, and success. Leaders of prominent co-operative bodies, including MCAB, MECOFED, MAGHALOOM, and Mei Ramew State Agro Ecology Co-operative Society Ltd, were felicitated during the programme.
As the sun set over the Raj Bhavan lawns, the gathering felt less like an official function and more like a celebration of Meghalaya’s collective spirit — where the strength of the community was woven into every handcrafted basket, bottle of honey, or packet of local tea on display.
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