Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (VP)

Mangaluru, Feb 18: The Karnataka Bank celebrated its 100th year milestone on Sunday, February 18 at T M A Pai International Convention Centre here.

On this occasion, Srikrishnan H, managing director and CEO of Karnataka Bank, welcomed the gathering and said that "We extend thanks to everyone who has attended today's event. Karnataka Bank is the first bank in India to reach the milestone of 100 years. We have been doing CSR projects before even it was compulsory, We have constructed a new centenary building to commemorate the 100 years celebration which has been inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister, D.K Shivakumar. The centenary building serves as a museum which tells the history of Karnataka Bank from 1924 to 2024."

He added that "Karnataka Bank is not just Karnataka's bank anymore now. It's a bank of the country. We are in the process of clocking Rs 1500 crore within this financial year. Our market cap stands at Rs 10,000 crore. We are transitioning from an old bank to a legacy bank. The 100-year milestone has become possible only because of the support of many people. I thank each and everyone who has helped us reach this level."

R Venkatrami, Attorney General of India, expressed, "It feels wonderful to be a part of today's event. We call Dakshina Kannada the Cradle of the banking sector. Today we have gathered here to celebrate 100 years, and we must understand the values it needs to sustain for 100 years. In fields such as law, we can see substantial changes and development, but not in the banking sector. The whole idea of banking, which has undergone many changes from a person who lends money, the banking industry has come far. The value of freedom and the ability to create and innovate is there in everyone, and such potentials should be explored." He added, "I'm happy to be here. Karnataka Bank will ensure unification of India from Kashmir to Kanyakumari in terms of banking. The global banking scenario in a few years has gone under different problems such as domestic politics and global reasons; therefore, now we are in a connective world, and it's important that India achieve the position where we were able to overcome some problems. Hence, I believe that India can also tackle the problems of banking. The nation needs more of Karnataka Bank; in India in the past few years, several important universities have been opened, but I really wish that we could connect banking also at the national level and bring reforms, and Karnataka Bank should take the lead in this and from a very objective point of view."

The chief guest of the event, D K Shivakumar, deputy chief minister, said, "It's a great moment for Karnataka Bank, and I congratulate all the customers who have been part of Karnataka Bank. When I unveiled the coin and Postal stamp, I felt very happy. I've come here with passion and hope since Karnataka Bank was born here, and many other popular banks were born here in Dakshina Kannada, but the majority of the banks have vanished by now. I request the management and staff to make a promise that the Karnataka branch will acquire another bank. Although I've never been a customer of this Bank, I've heard a lot about this Bank."

He further added, "Today we are in Mangaluru, and this place has lots of tradition and it's also called the land of banking, land of education, land of entrepreneurs, yet we are in difficulty. The Karnataka Bank main office is in Bengaluru, and the bank should make sure that branches in other places should not vanish. Nowhere in the world such a quality of education is provided. The Karnataka Bank has started the CSR projects before CSR projects came into existence. The resources of Mangaluru, such as Big ports, banks, and all infrastructure are here, yet lots of companies are moving out of this land."

He further emphasized, "Before Karnataka state came into existence, we had Karnataka Bank. So it's our duty that this has to be done. Karnataka government stands in full support of whatever Karnataka Bank needs. I strongly believe that Money and Blood should not stay in one place; if a customer is weak, then the bank will become weak. If the country grows, then only Customers will grow."

Presiding over the function, P Pradeep Kumar, chairman of Karnataka Bank, said that: "It's my honour and privilege to deliver the presidential speech. There were 22 banks that were started in the undivided Dakshina Kannada district but only two banks - Karnataka Bank and Canara Bank - continue to be in business. In 100 years there has been a huge contribution from a number of people. We have had multiple events such as NRI meets to celebrate 100 years. We have been growing every year. The bank's shares have gone up by 37%. The country is going to be the third largest economy and I believe that this will help in adding value to everyone. Karnataka Bank is fully ready and geared up for the future."

On this occasion, a new Rs 100 coin with Karnataka Bank's centenary celebration logo was unveiled along with a post card and a postal cover which shows the head office of Karnataka Bank's Dongerkeri branch with also pictures of the bank's founding members. This event also witnessed an unique opening of 15 branches of Karnataka Bank across India. The bank's new website was unveiled and a souvenir was also released.

S Rajendra Kumar, Karnataka Circle, postmaster general, Sekhar Rao, executive director of Karnataka Bank along with bank's customers and employees of Karnataka Bank with their family members were present.