The third edition of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Youth Leadership Exchange Program (YLEP), hosted by the National Cooperative Union of India (NCUI), unfolded from December 1–7, 2024, in the serene hills of Himachal Pradesh. Bringing together 13 young leaders from across the ICA member countries, the program offered a week-long immersion into India’s cooperative ecosystem, blending education, cultural exchange, and leadership development.

The journey began in New Delhi, with participants traveling to Dharamshala, where they were welcomed with traditional Himachali caps at the Deputy Registrar of Cooperative Societies office. The inaugural day set the tone with visits to Kangra Central Cooperative Bank, where discussions on credit systems and cybersecurity took center stage, and Malan Co-op Agri Service Society, a village-level cooperative lauded for integrating public services like public distribution system (PDS) stores and credit unions into rural life.

Day three highlighted cultural resilience at the Tibetan Handicraft Cooperative Society in McLeod Ganj. Run by Tibetan refugees, the cooperative not only preserves traditional carpet-weaving and tailoring but also supports its members through housing and childcare. A lunch at Hotel Tibet, another cooperative venture, introduced delegates to authentic Tibetan cuisine, followed by explorations of Bhagsu Temple and the vibrant McLeod Ganj Market. The day closed with a bonfire and Himachali folk music, underscoring the blend of learning and cultural camaraderie.

As the delegation travelled to Kullu via Mandi, a stop at HP Milkfed’s dairy cooperative revealed the intricacies of milk processing and marketing. Participants savoured Himachali Dham, a traditional meal, before diving into Kullu’s handloom sector. Visits to a government sheep farm and Kullu Valley Regional Marketing Cooperative Society showcased wool production and self-reliant business models, while BHUTTICO—a weaver-owned cooperative—demonstrated the full cycle from wool testing to retailing exquisite garments.

The final cooperative visits in Manali focused on challenges and innovations. At an agricultural cooperative grappling with outdated technology, delegates brainstormed revival strategies while the Lahaul Potato Growers’ Cooperative Society illustrated how vertical integration transformed local farming. Evenings were reserved for cultural immersion, including dips in Vashisht Hot Springs and market explorations.

The program concluded with reflections on cooperatives as a force for equitable development. Against global challenges like climate change and inequality, YLEP 2024 equipped young leaders with practical insights and forged cross-border networks. Participants departed with not only knowledge of India’s cooperative diversity, from credit unions to handicrafts, but also lasting connections to peers worldwide.

Check out the teaser video of YLEP-India Chapter here.