Regional Director RBI lighting the lamp at foundation Day of PNB
Jammu, April 12: Punjab National Bank celebrated its 125th foundation day with great enthusiasm and fervour. The main function was held at Jammu Club auditorium in which Mr Thomas Mathew, Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India was Chief Guest and Mr. Chander Mohan Gupta, Mayor Jammu Municipal Corporation was Guest of Honour. They were accompanied by Mr. Suresh Kumar Rana, Circle Head PNB & Mr Vinay Bhandari Deputy Circle Head PNB J&K Circle. A large number of staff members of the bank were present at the function. The function was also marked by the felicitation of esteemed customers and students of the bank by the chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Suresh Kumar Rana highlighted the history and achievements of the Bank. He said that inspired by the spirit of nationalism and the idea that Indians should have a national bank of their own, PNB was founded as first Swadeshi Bank by far-sighted visionaries and patriots, who included Lala Lajpat Rai, E C Jessawala, Babu Kali Prasono Roy, Lala Harkishan Lal and S Dayal Singh Majithia.
PNB had commenced its business operations on April 12, 1895, and had opened its first branch at Anarkali Bazar, Lahore (now in Pakistan). Mr Rana added.
Mr Rana informed that the bank started with a meagre authorized Capital of Rs 2.00 lakh and working capital of Rs 20,000, the bank has crossed the total global business of Rs 11,16,743 crores as on 31-03-2019 and it reflects the confidence and trust of our esteemed customers.
He further added that the bank has a pan India network of more 7000 & 9300 ATMs. Seven banks have been merged with PNB before & after nationalization giving further strength to the bank. In J&K Bank has 114 branches working on CBS platform complimented with 137 ATMs giving PNB a Digital edge over other banks
Chief Guest Mr. Thomas Mathew in his address appreciated the services of the bank being rendered to the common men. He added that apart from providing seamless service, Bank is also on the forefront with its Corporate Social Responsibility programs designed to uplift & support various sections of the society like NGOs, Charitable institutes, Old Age Homes, Orphanages etc.
He said that the bank has opened 12 Farmers Training centre across the country where farmers will be given free of cost training. The bank is going to open such a centre in Kathua very soon, which will benefit the farmer community, he added.
A cultural program was also presented by students of MHAC school Nagbani. The vote of Thanks was presented by Mr. Vinay Bhandari, Deputy Circle Head.