HYDERABAD (India CSR): State Bank of India, the country’s largest bank continues to strengthen its commitment to community welfare and environmental sustainability through a series of impactful initiatives. C.S. Setty, Chairman of the State Bank of India, visited Hyderabad and extended support to Devnar foundation – an NGO for the visually challenged people through significant donations reaffirming the bank’s support to marginalized communities. Further, reiterating the bank’s commitment towards protection of ‘Mother Nature’, SBI inaugurated a tree plantation drive – ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’. Moreover, demonstrating the bank’s grit towards upliftment of underprivileged populace, SBI ladies club donated essential items to Sai Seva Sangh.
In presence of C.S. Setty, SBI donated Rs. 51 lakhs to Devnar foundation for installation of Firefighting System and Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic System.
The CSR activity was followed by inauguration of plantation drive “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, encouraging all the staff to undertake plantation as a tribute to Mother and Mother Nature. Setty highlighted the bank’s contribution to sustainability as the bank has undertaken tree plantation of 1.8 million plants during this year. Setty also reiterated SBI’s vision to lead India and the World in climate finance with a pathway to Net Zero (SCOPE 1, 2 & 3) for the bank by 2055.
SBI Ladies Club undertook tree plantation drive as well under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” drive. In addition, Smt Sreedevi Surya, President all India SBI ladies Club, undertook a charity program at SBI Enclave as a Chief Guest and handed over water dispenser, sewing machines, stationery items, fruits, snacks, groceries and other essential items to Sai Seva Sangh, Miyapur, Hyderabad as part of their support to the underprivileged populace.
C.S. Setty, Chairman, SBI acknowledged the great service done by Shri. A. Saibaba Goud of Devnar foundation and thanked them for giving SBI the opportunity to support them. He said that identifying the right NGO and extending support gives us immense satisfaction for contributing to progress of the society. He also said that Fire protection system will improve the safety of visually impaired individuals which will effectively manage fire emergencies and Rooftop solar system will help in reducing carbon footprint, contribute to environmental sustainability. Shri Setty said that the CSR activities undertaken by the NGOs at the grass root levels are done through the Circles and Bank’s CSR arm SBI Foundation undertakes long term programs to impact the lives of the youth and people in rural India, particularly in the aspirational districts. Shri Setty made a special mention of SBI Foundation’s initiations like Youth for India, Jivanam and Gram Seva.
Rajesh Kumar, Chief General Manager, SBI, Hyderabad Circle, expressed his pleasure to support Devnar foundation. He emphasized that the circle is providing support to the needy by ensuring that the CSR funds allocated to the circle are fully utilized focusing on healthcare, education, environment, sanitation, empowerment of women & senior citizen, war veteran’s welfare and for promoting livelihood and entrepreneurship.
Dr. A. Saibaba Goud said, “The bank’s support for Firefighting System clearly indicates the concern SBI has in creating a safe environment for the differently abled students.”
C.S. Setty’s visit to Hyderabad was also marked with the inauguration of vigilance workshop at Hyderabad’s State Bank Staff College as well as motivational address to branch managers of Hyderabad & Secunderabad zones. Through his words, he inspired them to excel in all parameters of the business with emphasis on excellent customer service. Setty asserted with belief, “if this decade is a golden period for the country, then it is golden period for SBI too”.
Through banking excellence and noteworthy CSR initiatives, State Bank of India, the banker to every Indian remains committed to the welfare of every Indian.