Our Story & Mission
Two decades of empowering Karnataka communities through cooperative education and solidarity.
Who We Are
Vikas Shikshana Souharda Sahakari Ni. was founded in January 2005 by a determined group of educators, retired government officers, and working families in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Sharing the belief that education is the most powerful instrument of social transformation, they came together under the Karnataka Souharda Sahakari Act, 1997, to create a truly member-owned cooperative focused on educational upliftment.
The name itself embodies our purpose: Vikas (ವಿಕಾಸ) means Development, Shikshana (ಶಿಕ್ಷಣ) means Education, and Souharda (ಸೌಹಾರ್ದ) means Goodwill and Cooperative Friendship. Together, we are dedicated to developing our communities through education and solidarity.
Today, we serve 2,500+ members across 45 villages and urban wards in Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, and Tumkur districts — operating training centers, scholarship programs, digital literacy centers, and adult education initiatives that have transformed thousands of lives.
Legal Registration
Registered under the Karnataka Souharda Sahakari Act, 1997
Registration No.: KSF/SCR/2005/1234
Date of Registration: 15 January 2005
Federal Body: Karnataka State Souharda Federal Cooperative Ltd.
Our Mission
To promote equitable access to quality education, skill development, and lifelong learning for all members and their communities, operating on the cooperative principles of voluntary membership, democratic control, and concern for community.
Our Vision
A Karnataka where cooperative membership guarantees every child the right to learn, every adult the opportunity to grow, and every family the dignity of economic self-sufficiency.
Operational Area
Bengaluru Urban District, Bengaluru Rural District, and Tumkur District, Karnataka
Our Journey
Founded by 50 educators and community leaders in Bengaluru
First Annual General Body Meeting held; first scholarship batch of 12 students
Launched vocational training center in Rajajinagar
Membership crossed 500; opened second branch in Tumkur
Digital literacy center inaugurated with 30 computers
Celebrated 10 years; 1,000+ members; 200+ scholarships awarded
MOU signed with Karnataka Vocational Training Academy
Launched online classes during COVID-19; distributed 2,000+ study kits
Membership crossed 2,000; expanded to 40 villages
Celebrating 20 years with 2,500+ members and ₹12 crore in assets
The Values We Live By
We operate on the seven cooperative principles established by the International Cooperative Alliance, as adopted by all Souharda cooperatives in Karnataka.
Voluntary & Open Membership
Cooperative membership is open to all persons able to use its services without discrimination.
Democratic Member Control
Cooperatives are controlled by their members who actively participate in setting policies. One member, one vote.
Member Economic Participation
Members contribute equitably to the capital of their cooperative and control it democratically.
Autonomy & Independence
Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their members.
Education, Training & Information
Cooperatives provide education for members, board, and staff to contribute to development. (Our founding principle)
Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Cooperatives serve their members most effectively by cooperating with other cooperatives.
Concern for Community
Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities.
The Souharda Advantage
Unlike traditional cooperatives, Souharda cooperatives operate with complete member autonomy.
Zero Government Interference
No government nominees on our board. No government share capital. Fully member-owned and controlled.
Self-Regulatory
Overseen by the Karnataka State Souharda Federal Cooperative — not government bureaucrats.
90%+ Profitability
Souharda cooperatives are among the most profitable cooperative models in India.
Tax Benefits
Eligible for deduction under Section 80P of the Income Tax Act, 1961 — same as regular cooperatives.
Awards & Achievements
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