SPECIAL NEWS

BOB, Matunga - A friendly neighbourhood bank

July 19, was a day to remember at Bank of Baroda’s, Bhau Daji Road Branch when the premises and the branch wore a festive look. The Occasion was the Bank’s 96th Foundation Day. Founded in 1908 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad of Baroda, the bank has since navigated through various challenges and left indelible marks in the socio economic progress of the country. While the Foundation Day was celebrated by the Bank throughout the country and its various branches abroad, it was an extremely special day for the Bhau Daji Road branch. On the happy occasion, the bank held a get-together and remembered the role of the customers in writing the bank’s success story. “The Branch is now serving the fourth generation of some of its valued customers, since its inception in September 1971”, says R. Bhuvaneswari, who has recently taken over as the Branch Manager. The very first Current Account opened by Kantilal Jadhavji of Kanji Shivji & Company is still operational. Even the very first Savings Account opened by Dr. Sunil Desai’s father is in full operation. “It is a pleasure to bank with Bank of Baroda, mainly because they believe in old traditions and new technology”, says Dr. Desai who is practicing as a Dentist in the building next to the bank. During the Foundation Day meet a large number of customers opined that the bank has been looking at major efficiency enhancing initiatives and the fully computerized branch with the energetic and service oriented staff ensures efficient service at all times. “Gone are the days of long queues in front of the Teller to withdraw even tiny amounts. Keeping with their tradition the bank pays .75% extra interest on deposits to senior citizens as a mark of respect, which is immensely popular and appreciated by my father who also operates his account with the bank”, avers U.R.Furia one of the oldest account holders of the branch and Shanker Krishnamurthy another account holder concurs with Furia’s statement. Either it be a loan for a house, vehicle or financial assistance for higher studies abroad, the branch has never disappointed its customers. The recent example being that of Shashank Kiron, an exemplary student wanting to proceed to the U.S., when the bank sanctioned Overseas Study Loan of Rs.15 Lakhs. With customer friendly attitude coupled with efficient services, the bank has grown to 2788 branches in India and 38 branches across 17 countries. “Under the Chairmanship of P.S. Shenoy, the bank is bound to grow by leaps and bounds in the years to come”, says Madhu V. Popat, an esteemed customer in the branch. Over the years the faith and trust reposed by the predominantly high income strata of customers in Matunga has become the strength of the bank. “When I opened my account with the bank, I was riding a bicycle and today I am driving my own Tata Indigo Car and am looking after a flourishing business which is only due to the support I have been receiving from the Branch,” says C.B. Modi another esteemed customer of the branch.