Thankamani (Idukki): A primary cooperative society in Idukki is braving the odds by staying united in times of crisis. Over the last five days, 334 members of the society have deposited a total amount of Rs 2.18 crores in their bank.

The natives of Thankamani town have deposited Rs 1000 to over Rs 10 lakhs at the bank in a short period of time. For example, five-year-old Akio Vipin broke open his piggy bank and arrived at the bank with Rs 3,000 for opening an account. Similarly, a woman named Santhamma and a farmer named Sasi also deposited shares of their social security pensions in the Thankamani cooperative bank.

With the controversies surrounding cooperative banks in the state, people panicked and withdrew deposits from the bank in Thankamani, putting the authorities in a spot. Romeo Sebastain, president of Thankamani Service Cooperative bank, was quick to adopt some damage control measures. He decided to launch a campaign for accumulating deposits from the public, in order to wade through the difficult times. The bank officials put up a social media post as well, explaining the current situation. Their efforts bore fruits. A public deposit campaign and a meetup of the cooperative society members was organised at the panchayat hall. The bank is currently aiming to accumulate deposits worth Rs 10 crores by November 30. 

Fortunes seem to favour the Thankamani bank. The Sahya tea factory run by the cooperative bank has proved to be a successful venture and is a recognised brand in Kerala right now.

The bank has forayed into other businesses as well. The ventures of the bank include a fertiliser depot, supermarket, public service centre, smoke testing centre, and also the Sahya farmers producers company (formed with the support of NABARD).