Tura, Jan 17: In the remote villages of Meghalaya’s Garo Hills, where tribal families have long faced challenges of economic hardship and limited opportunities, one dedicated leader is making a profound difference. Fr. Benoy Joseph, a Catholic priest and visionary social worker, has emerged as a beacon of hope through his founding and leadership of the Muktidata Multipurpose Cooperative Society.
Established in 2015 in Tikrikilla, the cooperative has grown into a vital force for grassroots development, focusing on sustainable livelihoods, women’s empowerment, and community solidarity among the Garo tribal people. Under Fr. Joseph’s guidance as Founder and Managing Director, Muktidata has touched the lives of numerous households in underserved rural areas, particularly women, farmers, youth, and small entrepreneurs.
Fr. Benoy Joseph’s work blends spiritual commitment with practical action. His vision centers on empowering tribal communities through cooperative movements, self-reliance, inclusiveness, and the dignity of labor. The society has earned recognition for its efforts, including the North East Regional Cooperative Excellence & Merit Award in 2022, presented to Fr. Joseph and the team’s leadership.
Empowering Women and Building Financial Independence
A cornerstone of Muktidata’s impact is the economic empowerment of women. The cooperative has formed women’s groups, supported Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and provided skill-development training for income-generating activities. These initiatives have fostered financial independence and strengthened community-based microfinance, enabling women to contribute meaningfully to their families and villages.
Boosting Agriculture and Market Access
Farmers in the Garo Hills benefit from Muktidata’s focus on rural livelihoods. The society facilitates market linkages for produce, promotes organic and sustainable farming practices, and offers training in modern agricultural methods. These efforts have improved productivity and income levels while reducing post-harvest losses.
Notably, Muktidata has played a key role in Meghalaya’s agricultural exports. In recent years, high-quality organic pineapples sourced from villages in the Tikrikilla block—under the cooperative’s supervision—have reached international markets, including the Middle East, as part of government-backed initiatives like ‘Meghalaya Collectives’. The cooperative also deals in products such as organic turmeric, black pepper, ginger, fruit juices, and spices, helping farmers access better prices and global demand.
Fostering Social Harmony, Culture, and Self-Reliance
Beyond economics, Fr. Joseph’s initiatives extend to social development. Awareness programs address education, health, and pressing issues, while youth engagement and leadership-building activities nurture the next generation. The cooperative promotes Garo cultural identity and traditions, ensuring preservation amid change.
Muktidata strengthens village-level institutions and runs campaigns like “Save Land, Save Job, Save Daughters,” emphasizing collective growth, social protection, and community unity.
Fr. Benoy Joseph’s service-oriented leadership through Muktidata Multipurpose Cooperative Society exemplifies how faith-inspired action can drive sustainable progress. In a region rich in natural resources yet challenged by isolation, his efforts are fostering dignity, resilience, and hope—proving that grassroots cooperatives can transform lives and uplift entire tribal communities in the Garo Hills.
