Amul, Ajanta and Samooha - Part 2

In first part of this 2 part blog, (Click to read Part-1) I wrote more about Ajanta and Samay, the unique technology venture that is rural by nature and its influence on me. In this part I would be drawing reference between Amul Milk Cooperative and Samooha Business Software Cooperative.

While in Ajanta, I had the opportunity to closely observe and understand another movement that was on then in Gujarat which is even today known as Amul. The long journey, Amul went through, the early setbacks faced by the cooperative and its drive for innovation to sustain and thrive in the market are great pointers for any IT entrepreneur in India who would like to make a niche with product or process innovation.

These 2 links could provide more insight into the Amul model:

Amul : The Complete Story

Amul Dairy - a farmers' success story

Now, when we look at Amul closely one can really understand the painful process of bringing together the small farmers to think in the direction of market driven cooperative. If such an idea of a Milk Cooperative could work for more than 6 decades and still is held together, I feel that there is a definite value and longevity in forming a Business Software Cooperative but with some different set of processes and membership criteria that would go a few tiers to match the abilities, exposure and experience of the members.

Samooha will never leave anyone behind as long as they deserve to be pulled along its journey.

India has one opportunity to boost the non-IT sector to adapt to IT on a fast track evolution mode and Samooha is the only way to prepare the SMB to go global through Information Technology adoption.

I am convinced that no Revolution can do permanent good to India. Only fast-track evolution with some reality bites may change the face of our so called Mahan Bharat. All we need to do is mix the best of both worlds and get the right blend that can add some flavor and color that can last longer as a Nation.

Samooha mein Sanghatan, Sanghatan mein Shakti!

Be there, get the Small Businesses to wake up to IT!! There is wealth, value and pride in the mid and long term for all stakeholders!