N※N

CBIL Celebrates 115 Years with Grand Foundation Day in Hyderabad

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. ears-with-grand-foundation-day-in-hyderabad.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, December 21st 2025 at 22:07 GMT by The Hans India
      Locale: Telangana, INDIA

Central Bank of India Celebrates 115 Years of Service with Grand Foundation Day Festivities

The Central Bank of India (CBIL) – one of the oldest banking institutions in the country – marked a remarkable milestone this year: 115 years since its inception in 1909. The bank’s Foundation Day celebrations, held at its headquarters in Hyderabad, were a colourful blend of nostalgia, innovation and a clear-eyed look at the future.

A Brief Look Back

CBIL was founded on 12th September 1909 by the British colonial administration as the Central Bank of India Ltd. The bank’s first office was located in Calcutta, and it was designed to serve the financial needs of the then emerging Indian middle class. After independence, CBIL was nationalised in 1970 and began a steady expansion of its branch network across the country.

Over the decades, the bank has been a pivotal player in India’s economic development. From supporting the Green Revolution in the 1960s to becoming a key partner for the “Make in India” and “Digital India” initiatives, CBIL’s story is interwoven with the nation’s own journey of progress. The 115th anniversary celebration is, therefore, not just a corporate milestone but a celebration of a century and a half of Indian banking history.

The 2024 Foundation Day Gala

The event kicked off with a formal flag‑raising ceremony, followed by the unveiling of a time‑lapse video that chronicled the bank’s journey from its modest beginnings to a modern digital institution. The video featured archival photographs, old cheque‑books and early‑day bank counters, juxtaposed against the latest AI‑powered customer service kiosks and the bank’s robust digital app.

Keynote Speeches

Dr. P. P. Ch., Chairman, CBIL

Dr. Ch opened the proceedings with a heartfelt address that reflected on the bank’s legacy. He highlighted CBIL’s unwavering commitment to “financial inclusion” – a principle that has guided the bank’s policy for decades. “We have always believed that banking is a right, not a privilege,” he said. “As we celebrate 115 years, we pledge to deepen our outreach to the unbanked and underserved segments of society.”

Dr. R. Kumar, Managing Director

In his remarks, Dr. Kumar spoke about the bank’s digital transformation journey. He emphasized the introduction of “CBIL Digital‑First” – a comprehensive suite that includes instant account opening via the bank’s mobile app, AI‑driven credit risk assessment, and a partnership with fintech firm Razorpay to enable seamless UPI transactions. “Our goal is to make banking frictionless for every customer, irrespective of where they are located,” he added.

Heritage Exhibition

A dedicated exhibition hall displayed a range of artifacts that spanned CBIL’s history. Highlights included:

• Original Banknotes & Coins: Rare notes issued by CBIL in the 1920s and 30s.
• Cheque‑Books & Ledgers: The earliest cheques drawn by Indian customers in the 1910s.
• Old Branch Signage: The iconic “Central Bank” wooden signs that once adorned the old Calcutta branch.
• Photographic Montage: A century of photographs documenting CBIL’s expansion across India.

The exhibition was curated by CBIL’s Heritage Committee and provided visitors an immersive walk through the bank’s evolution.

CSR Spotlight

In line with the bank’s “People‑First” ethos, a segment of the event focused on CBIL’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Dr. Ch highlighted three flagship projects:

1. “Financial Literacy for Youth” – a nationwide programme that trains 500,000 high‑school students on banking basics by 2026.
2. “Digital Health Kiosks” – installation of health check‑up booths in 200 rural villages, financed through a partnership with the Indian Council of Medical Research.
3. Sustainable Banking – a pledge to reduce paper usage by 30% in the next five years and launch green bonds for renewable energy projects.

Each initiative was supported by interactive displays, testimonials from beneficiaries, and a live Q&A with CBIL’s CSR officers.

Employee Awards & Recognition

Recognising the backbone of the bank’s operations, the Foundation Day event included the presentation of awards to 30 employees who had served for more than 25 years. The “Lifetime Achievement Award” went to Mr. K. M. Sharma, a retired manager who had played a key role in CBIL’s expansion into the southern states. “You have set the benchmark for excellence,” Dr. Ch told Mr. Sharma in a moving speech.

A Look Forward

CBIL’s leadership used the occasion to outline its future roadmap. The key pillars include:

• Digital Inclusion – rolling out AI‑based micro‑loans for farmers and self‑employed individuals.
• Sustainability – launching a “Green Banking” portal that tracks the bank’s carbon footprint.
• Financial Inclusion – a new “CBIL e‑KYC” initiative that promises instant verification for all customers through biometric data.

The bank also announced the launch of a “CBIL Innovation Hub” – a dedicated research facility that will collaborate with universities and start‑ups to pilot new financial products.

External Links & Resources

The original article featured several links that led to additional information:

• CBIL Official Website – for detailed product listings and investor relations.
• Press Release (2024-09-12) – official statement on Foundation Day celebrations.
• CBIL Foundation Day 2024 – Photo Gallery – a visual tour of the event.
• CBIL CSR Reports (2022‑23) – in-depth data on CSR spending and impact metrics.

These resources offer readers a deeper dive into CBIL’s operations, financial performance, and impact initiatives.

Final Thoughts

The 115th Foundation Day of the Central Bank of India was more than a celebration of past achievements; it was a forward‑looking statement of intent. By juxtaposing the bank’s rich heritage with a clear commitment to digital innovation, sustainability and financial inclusion, CBIL reinforced its status as a cornerstone of India’s banking ecosystem.

As the nation continues to move toward a digital economy, the CBIL’s 115‑year journey serves as a testament to resilience, adaptability and a relentless pursuit of service. The Foundation Day gala, with its blend of nostalgia, recognition and vision, will be remembered as a defining moment in the bank’s long and illustrious history.