Foundation Laid for World’s First Cooperative University in Anand
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Anand, July 5, 2025:
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah and Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel laid the foundation stone for the world’s first cooperative university, Tribhuvan Sahkari University, in Anand — also known as the “city of education.” The university, announced in the Union Budget, is expected to start operating within four months and will play a major role in preparing professionals for cooperative-based services like taxi and insurance.
Shri Amit Shah said that the formation of the Ministry of Cooperation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a big step to improve the lives of people in villages and small towns. The ministry held meetings with top cooperative leaders across India to understand the challenges faced by the sector. Based on this, 60 new initiatives were introduced, including 7 key reforms to improve transparency, fairness, and inclusivity.
The university will be built on 125 acres of land at a cost of ₹500 crore. It will offer training in technical skills, financial planning, cooperative laws, and leadership development. With nearly 30 crore Indians involved in the cooperative sector, Shri Shah said that this university will help fill the gap in structured education and training. Graduates from this university will be given priority in jobs in the cooperative field.
The university is named after Shri Tribhuvandas Patel, a pioneer of the cooperative movement who started the Kheda District Milk Union in 1946 — which later became Amul. Shri Shah said this name was chosen not for politics, but to honour Patel’s lifelong dedication to social service. He recalled how six lakh women donated ₹1 each when Patel retired, showing the deep respect people had for him. It was also Patel who supported Dr. Verghese Kurien’s higher studies, helping him later launch the White Revolution.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said the university marks a historic milestone on International Cooperative Day. He praised Prime Minister Modi and Minister Shah for giving global recognition to India’s cooperative model under the motto “Sahkar thi Samruddhi” (Prosperity through Cooperation). The Gujarat Government has provided land for the project, and key cooperative institutions like NDDB are helping with its development.
The CM added that the university will not just be an educational space but a centre of excellence for research, innovation, and leadership. It will also help tackle future challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and rural development through the lens of cooperation. It aims to create young, well-informed leaders who can take India’s cooperative model to new heights.
The event was attended by Union Ministers of State, senior Gujarat leaders, NDDB and IRMA officials, and a large group of farmers and dairy producers.
This initiative is seen as a major step in bringing cooperative values into the mainstream of education and national growth.
