Sahkarmaharshi Late Virupakshappa Gurappa Shivadare, fondly called “Shivadare Anna” was a veteran freedom fighter, social activist and a staunch Congress leader of yester years who had made great contributions to the fields of education, agricultural development and co-operation. Shivdare Anna was the first visionary who setup 6 medium sized Super Market chains in Solapur, way bank in 1975, catering to the daily nees of people residing in nook end corner of Solapur. chains of 6 super markets.

Three times Member of the Legislative Assembly of Maharashtra(MLA), he championed the cause of farmers’ welfare and in 1960, organized a huge farmers’ rally attended by not less than 1 lakh farmers and landless labourers of this region. The rally was addressed by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, then Prime Minister of India and Chief Minister of Maharashtra Yashwantrao Chavan. Late Jaiprakash Narayan also hailed this event as an historic moment.

During his life time, Shivadare Anna initiated and promoted formation of many institutions for the elevation of common man and to promote his cherished ideas nurtured in freedom struggle. Shivadare Anna was Honored by people as “SAHAKARMAHARSHI” due to his work in Cooperative Sector.

List of Organisations founded by Sahakarmarshi Late. V. G. Shivadare.

• Founder Member And Director; Siddheshwar Sakakari Sakhar Karkhana Ltd., Solapur in 1969
• Founder; Solapur Siddheshwar Sahakari Bank Ltd., in 1974.
• Founder Chairman; Dakshin Solapur Taluka Shikshan Mandal 1976
• Founder; Solapur Zilla Madhyavarti Sahakari Gahuk Kirkol Grahak Bhandar 1976
• Founder Chairman; Shree Swami Samarth Sahakari Soot Girni, Valsang 1978
• Founder; First Pharmacy College in Solapur District 1980
• Founder Chairman; Krushi Utpanna Bazar Samitee Solapur 1986
• Founder Chairman; Solapur Krushi Utpanna Bazar Samitee Solapur (APMC) 1986

List of Various Positions held by Sahakarmarshi Late V. G. Shivadare.

• Three Times Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA)- South Solapur Constituency 1963-1978
• Member; Maharashtra State Parliament Estimate Committee.
• Member; Maharashtra Agriculture Product Marketing Regulation Act Select Committee.
• Member; Maharashtra State Land Revenue Select Committee.
• Member; Maharashtra State Golden Jubilee Year Celebration Committee.
• Director; Maharashtra State Formation Committee.
• Chairman; Police Code of Conduct Commettee, Maharashtra State.
• Chairman; State Pulp Board.
• Chairman; Mumbai Krushi Utpanna Bazar Samitee (Appointed By State Government)
• Chairman; Solapur District Central Cooperative Bank Ltd., Solapur, Director for 40 years.