South Indian Bank Celebrates 96th Foundation Day

KOCHI:
Marking a significant milestone in its illustrious history, South Indian Bank celebrated its 96th Foundation Day with the grand inauguration of its new office, SIB Tower, in Kakkanad, Kochi. Established on January 29, 1929, by forty-two enterprising visionaries from Thrissur, the Bank has been a beacon of resilience and progress, aligning itself with the spirit of the Swadeshi movement. Over the decades, it has transformed into a premier financial institution, serving millions across the nation with a robust commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer-centric banking solutions.

The Foundation Day celebrations saw the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including board members, past directors, retired employees, and valued customers, reinforcing the institution’s enduring relationships with its stakeholders. The newly inaugurated SIB Tower, a state-of-the-art facility, stands as a testament to the Bank’s growth and aspirations as it moves towards its centenary year.

Spanning approximately 200,000 square feet, the 12-level structure—comprising a basement, ground floor, and 11 additional floors—houses an array of modern facilities. Among these are a Mega Currency Chest, a fully operational branch office, and workspace designed to accommodate around 1,200 employees. Additionally, the building features an auditorium with a seating capacity of over 200, an advanced audio-visual boardroom, nine meeting rooms, three interview rooms, and multiple high-speed elevators. The basement provides a double-storeyed parking facility for about 150 vehicles,
ensuring seamless accessibility.

In his inaugural address, V J Kurian, Chairman of South Indian Bank, underscored the significance of the occasion, stating, “This building is not merely an infrastructure; it is a reflection of our deep-rooted foundation and future ambitions. As we commemorate 96 years of service, this milestone serves as a reaffirmation of our dedication to operational efficiency, innovation, and fostering a progressive work culture. The SIB Tower is a stepping stone towards our centenary celebrations and beyond.”

The construction of SIB Tower was met with formidable challenges, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and recurring floods. However, the perseverance and commitment of all involved ensured the successful completion of the project. Mr. Kurian extended his gratitude to those who played a pivotal role, particularly former Chairman Mr. Salim Gangadharan, for his instrumental contributions during crucial phases of the project’s development.

Reflecting on the Bank’s remarkable legacy, Managing Director and CEO, P R Seshadri, remarked, “Since its inception, South Indian Bank has stood firmly on the pillars of trust, integrity, and service excellence. Our strong foundation has enabled us to navigate various challenges and achieve significant milestones. The inauguration of this modern facility symbolizes our unwavering dedication to creating a resilient, adaptable, and technology-driven banking ecosystem.”

The core purpose of South Indian Bank, as envisioned by its enterprising founders, was to establish an efficient and service-oriented financial institution that would serve as a reliable repository of savings and credit for individuals and businesses, ensuring accessibility to financial services at reasonable interest rates. Translating the vision of its founding fathers into its corporate mission, the Bank has, over its long and distinguished journey, evolved into a vibrant, fast-growing, and customer-centric financial intermediary. It has successfully positioned itself as an industry leader, setting benchmarks in service excellence and financial innovation while reinforcing trust among its vast customer base.

The celebrations also included a heartfelt tribute to retired employees, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the institution’s journey. Customers, whose continued trust has been integral to the Bank’s growth, were also felicitated.

Looking ahead, Seshadri emphasized the Bank’s forward-looking vision, stating, “This new facility is not just an operational hub but a symbol of our aspirations to remain at the forefront of the banking sector. It will play a vital role in propelling us towards new achievements, enabling us to serve our customers with greater efficiency and dedication.”

South Indian Bank, known for its customer-centric approach and pioneering initiatives, has evolved from its humble beginnings into a distinguished financial institution with a nationwide presence. Over the years, it has continuously adapted to the evolving banking landscape, reinforcing its commitment to digital transformation and financial inclusion.

As the Bank inches closer to its centenary, it remains deeply rooted in its legacy while embracing the future with optimism and innovation. The 96th Foundation Day celebrations concluded on a promising note, with the leadership expressing confidence in the institution’s continued growth while upholding the values that have defined it for nearly a century.