- Three-year appointment marks a significant milestone for IRMA School under Tribhuvan Sahkari University Statutes 2025
- Veteran cooperative leader pledges to foster innovation, sustainability and next-generation rural management professionals
- Move reinforces India’s cooperative education ecosystem and rural development agenda
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
ANAND, JULY 9
In a significant boost to India’s cooperative education and rural management ecosystem, Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), has been appointed Chairperson of the Executive Board of IRMA School for a three-year term, reflecting widespread recognition of his transformational leadership in the dairy and cooperative sectors.
The appointment was approved during the first meeting of the Executive Board of IRMA School, with the Board recommending Dr Shah’s name under the powers conferred by Section 10(1) of the Tribhuvan Sahkari University Statutes, 2025.
The decision acknowledges Dr Shah’s distinguished contribution to India’s dairy movement, cooperative development and rural transformation, further strengthening IRMA School’s commitment to producing socially committed and professionally competent leaders for rural India.
Accepting the responsibility, Dr Shah said, “I am honoured to accept this position and remain committed to strengthening cooperatives and driving sustainable innovation.”
Expressing confidence in the institution’s future, he added, “Confident in its enduring mission, I believe IRMA will continue to ignite young minds and nurture professionals equipped to confront new challenges in rural development.”
As Chairman of NDDB, Dr Shah leads one of India’s foremost cooperative-driven development institutions dedicated to enhancing the prosperity of millions of rural dairy farmers. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing innovation, sustainability and inclusive growth across the dairy value chain.
He also heads several major NDDB group organisations, including Mother Dairy, IDMC Ltd., Indian Immunologicals Limited, NDDB Dairy Services, NDDB MRIDA Limited and NDDB CALF Ltd.
Beyond NDDB, Dr Shah serves as Chairman of the National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India (NCDFI) and National Cooperative Organics Ltd., besides being a member of the governing bodies of several premier institutions. Internationally, he is a Member of the Board of Directors of the International Dairy Federation (IDF) and Member Secretary of the Indian National Committee of IDF.
With more than four decades of leadership in India’s dairy sector, Dr Shah has played a pivotal role in strengthening the country’s global standing in dairy production while championing resilience, operational excellence and farmer-centric development. His emphasis on technological innovation, institutional capacity building and sustainable growth has significantly improved the livelihoods of dairy producers and reinforced the cooperative movement across the nation.
