New
Delhi: Punjab National Bank (PNB), one of India’s most trusted financial
institutions, proudly celebrated its 132nd Foundation Day at
Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. The milestone event marked over a century of
resilience, trust, and nation- building, reaffirming PNB’s pivotal role in
powering India’s economic progress.
Shri
Ashok Chandra, MD&CEO, Punjab National Bank, extended heartfelt
congratulations to the PNB family for their unwavering dedication and
commitment that have shaped the Bank’s remarkable journey. The celebration
brought together distinguished dignitaries, senior leadership, employees, and
stakeholders to honour PNB’s rich heritage and its vision for the future.
The
event was graced by Chief Guest Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary, DFS; Shri
Hari Har Mishra, Additional Secretary, DFS; other higher officials from
DFS, RBI and other esteemed institutions along with senior Bank officials.
The
celebrations commenced with a solemn garlanding and lamp-lighting ceremony in
honour of the Bank’s founder and freedom fighter Late Shri Lala Lajpat Rai,
reaffirming PNB’s enduring commitment to national development. This was
followed by vibrant cultural performances including Ganesh Vandana, Kathak, and
Krishna Vandana by artists Aryav Anand and Rishav Joshi, setting an auspicious
tone for the celebration.
Key
Highlights
·
₹1 Lakh Crore in Digital Sanctions: Demonstrating
its growing digital lending capabilities, PNB announced achieving this landmark
figure, underscoring its commitment to faster, technology-enabled credit
solutions.
·
Launch of 22 New Products & Initiatives: Spanning
retail banking, MSME and agriculture financing, digital services, employee
capability development, and sustainability-focused solutions.
Leadership
Address
Chief
Guest Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary, DFS, said: “At the outset, I pay
tribute to the visionary legacy of Lala Lajpat Rai, whose ideals continue to
guide Punjab National Bank even today. As the Bank celebrates 132 years, its
journey—from a modest beginning with ₹20,000 to a global business of nearly ₹30
lakh crore—mirrors the evolution of modern India itself. The Bank’s strong
performance reflects an institution moving forward with purpose and confidence,
and its meaningful contribution to the transformation of public sector banking
is commendable. As India advances towards its development goals, Banks like PNB
are not merely participants in the journey, they are its enablers. From
financing infrastructure and renewable energy, to supporting MSMEs and
first-generation entrepreneurs, from driving digital payments to extending
formal finance to remote regions, banking serves as the circulatory system of
the economy.”
Speaking
on the occasion, Shri Ashok Chandra, MD&CEO, PNB said: "For
over 132 years, PNB has remained a trusted partner in India’s development
journey, supporting farmers, MSMEs, entrepreneurs, and millions of customers.
Our milestone of ₹1 lakh crore in digital sanctions and the launch of multiple
digital products reflect our commitment to innovation, speed, and seamless
banking experiences. As we look ahead to ‘Viksit
Bharat 2047,’ PNB will continue
to drive financial
inclusion and technology-led
transformation."
Key
Launches
·
MSME &
Agriculture Financing: Digi MSME Prime, Digi Agri
Prime Plus, Digi Shrestha, Digi Farm Stay+, Digi Home Loan Embedded Finance,
Griha Vatika, Shram Sathi.
·
Sustainability
& Rural Credit: Integration with CRIF Highmark’s Grameen Credit Score, launch of
Biodegradable Credit Card, collaboration with Industrial Finance Corporate of
India Ltd ( IFCI ) for ESG solutions.
·
International
& NRI Banking: GIFT City Global NRI Wealth Management Desk, Foreign Currency Settlement System (FCSS) at IBU GIFT
City, SFMS Global for cross-border remittance messaging.
·
Digital
Innovation & Analytics: PNB PRISM – Portfolio & Relationship
Intelligence for Strategic Marketing, Savings & Current Account Churn Prediction Models.
·
Employee-Centric
Initiatives: PNB SAKSHAM – HRMS Mobile App, AR/VR Immersive Training &
Assessment Solution, PRAVAH (E-Office), “Cyber Dristi” functionality within
HRMS.
The
evening concluded with a spectacular musical performance by Sonu Nigam, captivating the audience
and adding a celebratory crescendo. Employee-led skits, band performances, and classical dance further showcased the
creative spirit of the PNB family.
Looking
Ahead
PNB’s
132nd Foundation Day stands as a testament to its enduring legacy, strong
values, and unwavering commitment to serving the nation. With a focus on
digital transformation, sustainability, and customer-centric innovation, PNB
continues to strengthen its position as a trusted financial partner for
millions, supporting India’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable growth.