Bhubaneswar: As part of the 72nd All India Cooperative Week celebrations (14–20 November 2025), the Cooperation Department today organised an awareness marathon in the capital city to promote the cooperative movement and its values.
The marathon was flagged off by Cooperation, Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts Minister Pradeep Bal Samanta from St. Joseph’s School at Ram Mandir Square.
Participants covered the stretch up to Cooperative Bhawan, spreading the message of cooperation, community participation, and collective development.
A wide range of dignitaries and officials participated in the programme, including Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Cooperation Department Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, State Cooperative Union President Prabasini Sarangi, Special Secretary Usharani Das, Additional Secretary Bishnupriya Sahu, General Manager of OSMA Board Dharitri Mishra, Additional Registrar Bhaktabandhu Sahu, Joint Secretary Sangram Raut, and Secretary Brahmananda Parida.
Officers and employees from various cooperative institutions, members of managing committees, and a large number of students from different schools and colleges also joined the marathon, adding to the enthusiasm of the event.
The Cooperative Week celebrations, observed annually across India, aim to highlight the role of the cooperative sector in economic empowerment, rural development, and community welfare.
