Full Post Style

New Delhi – In a poignant milestone for the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), the world’s No. 1 fertilizer cooperative, Dr. Udai Shanker Awasthi, Managing Director, will rest his illustrious tenure on July 31, 2025, after attaining the age of 80 years. This superannuation marks over four decades of unwavering dedication, during which Dr. Awasthi has profoundly shaped IFFCO’s trajectory, elevating it to unparalleled global prominence. His heart beats for the farmers and cooperatives which inspired him to dedicate his life for their welfare.

A chemical engineer from prestigious Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Dr. Awasthi joined IFFCO in November 1976, ascending through various pivotal roles before assuming the mantle of Managing Director in 1993. As a thorough professional in the chemicals and fertilizer industry, he orchestrated IFFCO’s metamorphosis into a world-renowned, professionally managed cooperative conglomerate. Under his stewardship, IFFCO not only achieved rapid advancements in the global fertilizer sector but also diversified into multifaceted ventures that have directly empowered farmers across India.

Dr. Awasthi’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in forging IFFCO’s expansive global footprint, with strategic investments in ICS Senegal, Oman, Jordan, and the UAE through Oman IFFCO Company (OMIFCO), Jordan India Fertilizer Company (JIFCO) and Kisan International Trading (KIT) respectively. His diversification initiatives birthed landmark joint ventures, including IFFCO-Tokio General Insurance Company—a collaboration with Japan’s Tokio Marine Group, the world’s largest insurer—which has emerged as a leading force in India’s insurance landscape. Another notable achievement is the formation of IFFCO-Mitsubishi Chemicals, dedicated to delivering affordable and safe crop protection solutions. Beyond these, IFFCO ventured into e-commerce through IFFCO Bazar, IFFDC was established to work in sector of forestry and seed production, for logistics IFFCO Kisan Logistics Ltd. was established, IFFCO Kisan Suvidha Limited and IFFCO Kisan Finance were established for Agri-techinnovations, and rural finance respectively, all under his guidance, fostering holistic growth for the agricultural community.

Dr Awasthi is the pioneer of Nanotechnology in Agriculture sector he felicitated establishment of Nano-Biotechnology Research Centre in Kalol and IFFCO Nanoventions Pvt. Ltd. for new nano-technology related innovations which led to the inception of IFFCO Nano Urea Plus, Nano DAP, Nano Zinc and Nano Copper. Under his tenure Nano Fertilizer Plants were established in all existing units i.e., Kalol & Kandla (Gujrat), Aonla & Phulpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Paradeep (Odisha) and new plants were established in Bengaluru, Deoghar and another one is coming up in Assam.

His extraordinary contributions have earned him prestigious accolades, including the global Rochdale Pioneers Award from the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), the title of “Fertiliser Man of India” bestowed by Shakar Bharati and Shri Dattatreya Hosbole, Sarkaryavah-RSS, and leadership positions in the International Fertiliser Association and the Fertiliser Association of India. These honours stand as testaments to his enduring impact on the cooperative and fertilizer domains worldwide.

In a heartfelt address, Dr. Awasthi expressed profound gratitude: “I sincerely thank the entire IFFCO family, encompassing our subsidiaries, joint ventures, and affiliates, as well as esteemed institutions such as the Fertilizer Association of India, the International Fertiliser Industry Association, and the International Cooperative Alliance, for being integral to my journey. Once again, I extend my deepest appreciation to all past and present Board members, RGB members, cooperative members, serving and retired employees of IFFCO along with their families, joint venture partners, technology suppliers, contractors, suppliers, and the farmers of India—indeed, all who have shaped this path, even if I cannot name each one here.”

Shri Dileep Sanghani, Chairman IFFCO echoed the organization’s collective admiration for Dr. Awasthi’s selfless commitment: “Awasthi ji has been profoundly immersed in the affairs of IFFCO and its expanding group companies, often at the expense of personal time with his family. We are delighted that he will now have the opportunity to cherish moments with his loved ones, especially his grandchildren. Nonetheless, we earnestly request his continued guidance for the new management, welcoming his invaluable advice at any time.”

As Dr. Awasthi steps into a well-deserved superannuation, IFFCO honours his legacy of innovation, integrity, and service—a beacon that has illuminated the path for generations of farmers and cooperative leaders. His departure is not an end, but a transition, ensuring his wisdom endures in the fabric of IFFCO’s future endeavours.

IFFCO is ranked World’s No.1 Cooperative (with respect to ratio towards contribution to GDP) according to World Cooperative Monitor (WCM) Report published by EURCISE and International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), the premier International cooperative body.

C-LAB launches first ever Certificate Course for Support Persons in Child Sexual Abuse cases
•_The Supreme Court of India, in 2023, had mandated that all POCSO cases must be provided with a support person
•_Support person plays a crucial role in guiding child victims and their families from providing psychological first-aid to handholding them during their legal battle

Delhi. To meet the growing demand for support persons following the Supreme Court’s 2023 directive mandating their appointment in all child sexual abuse cases, C-LAB has launched a first-of-its-kind Certificate Course for Support Persons in Dealing with Cases of Child Sexual Abuse. The Centre for Legal Action and Behaviour Change (C-LAB) for Children is India’s premier institution dedicated to strengthening child protection through the implementation of the rule of law. It is important to note that the number of registered cases under the POCSO Act rose by over 300% between 2019 and 2022, creating a significant gap between the number of trained support persons and the children who urgently need them. Support persons play a crucial role in guiding child victims and are a constant source of support and strength, handholding them from emotional counselling to navigating the legal battle with them.

Acknowledging their significance in such cases, the Apex Court had underlined that the State must provide Support Persons to child victims and that the appointment of support persons must be made mandatory in all such cases. This one judgment ensured that over 2.39 lakh child victims of sexual offences who were awaiting justice would be able to benefit and be guided by support persons. However, the paucity of such trained professionals has made the wait long and uphill for most states.

Speaking at the launch of the course, Bhuwan Ribhu, Founder, Just Rights for Children, said, “Justice is not only measured by verdicts but by the dignity with which a child is treated throughout the process. Support persons are often the silent force behind this journey, guiding, protecting and grounding families in their most vulnerable moments. Whether in courtrooms, police stations or hospitals, they hold space for truth, healing and resilience. This initiative by C-LAB goes beyond training; it is a step toward systemic transformation. When they do it right, they don’t just help a child survive, they reassure the child that justice is possible.” Bhuwan Ribhu was invited as the first faculty to take the inaugural session.

The first-ever 10-week course, which will be a blend of online and in-person classes, assignments and field work, aims to equip support persons with the knowledge and skills required to deal with victims of child sexual abuse and their families, and ensure that a child’s journey from a victim to a survivor is neither lonely nor uninformed.

Throwing further light on this unique course, Dr Sangita Gaur, Course Director, said, “Despite a strong legal framework like POCSO, thousands of our children still linger in the corridors of courtrooms or remain hidden in their homes, with no support or guidance available to them. They need to be handled with sensitivity, their trauma addressed with care, and it is equally important that they are made aware of the rights they are entitled to. A trained support person can walk with them through this entire process and ensure that their dignity is not further bruised and justice prevails for them.” She further added that any individual currently working with child victims of abuse, as a support person or a social worker entering the child protection system can enroll in this course.

Some of the curriculum highlights include child rights and child protection basics, POCSO and basic legal procedures in child sexual abuse cases, the roles and responsibilities of support persons, supporting and navigating the compensation and rehabilitation of victims, and building child-friendly communication and trauma-sensitive skills. One of the key highlights of the course is the psychological first aid training to support persons when dealing with child victims. Support persons who are the first line of defence for the victims of sexual abuse need to be sensitised when handling and gauging them. Experts and noted personalities from the fields of law, mental health, and social work have been roped in as faculty members of the course.

C-LAB has been incubated by India Child Protection, a leading child rights protection organisation dedicated to combating child sexual abuse and related crimes, including child trafficking, exploitation of children in the digital space, and child marriage.