Pics: Adithya Aithal

Daijiworld Media Network – udupi (TP)

Udupi, Nov 19: The 173rd birth anniversary of Sri Ammembal Subba Rao Pai (1852–1909), the beloved founder of Canara Bank with a proud legacy of 120 years, was celebrated on November 19 at the Manipal Golden Jubilee Hall.

The formal programme was inaugurated by MLA Yashpal Suvarna, MAHE pro-chancellor Dr H S Ballal and other dignitaries by lighting the ceremonial lamp.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Yashpal Suvarna highlighted the newly opened Canara Bank branches. “Undivided Dakshina Kannada is known as the home of banking. Our district takes pride in providing national banks to the country. With 10,000 branches, Canara Bank contributes immensely to the nation’s economy and is also actively involved in social welfare activities. Banking has advanced significantly with digitalization,” he said..

MAHE pro-chancellor Dr H S Ballal, in his address, said, “South Canara is known for three things—banking, education, and health care. Five major banks, Corporation Bank, Canara Bank, Syndicate Bank, Vijaya Bank and Karnataka Bank, originated in Udupi-Mangalore. Due to the high literacy rate in Udupi district, poverty levels are comparatively lower. Udupi and Dakshina Kannada are among the most progressive districts. I am delighted to be part of this celebration.”

Padmashree awardee Harekala Hajabba was felicitated during the event. Speaking humbly, he said, “I am uneducated and cannot communicate in English. While selling tangerines, I realized the struggles of being uneducated. That inspired me to work towards establishing a government school.”

Additional deputy commissioner Abid Gadyal remarked, “The Canara Bank logo itself symbolizes connection. I wish for continued growth for this bank.”

In his presidential address, H Gangadhar, general manager, Circle Office Manipal, said, “We have a proud history of 120 years, but the future poses challenges. When a customer’s issue is fully resolved, it becomes customer satisfaction; this grows to customer delight and finally customer experience. While many organizations struggle to survive even a few years, it is a matter of pride that Canara Bank has been operating successfully for 120 years.”

On the occasion, individuals and representatives from various fields were felicitated for their achievements. Self-help groups received support and loan sanction letters. The awardees included Supriya Nippani (Excellence in Photography), Mamatha B S (Agriculture & Pickle Business), Kiran D of Uttara Kannada (Photography), Seema Jagadish Nayak (Beautician Services), and Sunita (Arts).

Project director Zilla Panchayat Vijay Kumar, DGM Pavitr Kumar Das, general manager Sudhakar Kottary, Canara Bank officers, staff members and others were present on the occasion.