Tribute to the Founder Chairman

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest” – Benjamin Franklin

The above quote sums up the entire philosophy of the time and life of Late Shri Jairambhai Patel, a visionary, who built the entire edifice of National Institute of Cooperative Management (NICM) Society. His profound qualities of enthusiasm, perseverance, vision and networking created a foundation for many aspirants to mould their careers.

Shri Jairambhai Patel was born in 1926 in Taunggyi, Burma (now known as Myanmar).  A testament to the revolutionary power of nonviolence, Gandhiji’s approach directly influenced Jairambhai Patel. After returning to India, he actively participated in the ‘Quit India’ movement at a tender age of 17 years.

His personality had all the nuances of a great human being. He valued hard work and perseverance of people and showed great respect, love and concern for whomsoever he met.

His political career which started with getting elected as the  Sarpanch of his native village in Saurashtra region of Gujarat grew by leaps and bounds. He was elected as an MLA of Upleta (Saurashtra region, Gujarat) in 1962 and 1975. He also served as the State Dy. Home Minister. His able leadership was one of the reasons behind his appointment as the Chairman of GMDC in year 1990 by Government of Gujarat. In the same year he shouldered the responsibility as the Chairman of Rajkot District Cooperative Bank Ltd.   In 1992, he was elected as the chairman of Gujarat State Cooperative Bank.

The foundation of NICM was laid by him in 1995 with the sole vision of providing quality education to students coming from varied socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Master of Business Administration course was introduced in year 1999.  The institute was named as Shri Jairambhai Patel Institute of Business Management and Computer Applications (popularly known as SJPI-NICM now) in the loving memory of this stalwart personality.  SJPI is a living model of the rich legacy left behind by him.

The best tribute we can ever offer this architect of our institute could be to emulate his ideals and work toward realizing his dreams. The staff and this institution salute the immortal soul.