Pics and text: Rons Bantwal
Mumbai, Nov 21: Bharat Co-operative Bank (Mumbai) Ltd. has officially inaugurated its relocated Jogeshwari East branch at the La Prend Building on Subhash Road, ushering in a new era of customer-centric banking. The ceremony, held on Friday morning, included a ribbon-cutting and traditional lamp lighting, marking the official commencement of the branch’s services.
Addressing the gathering, Suryakant J Suvarna, chairman of Bharat Co-operative Bank (Mumbai) Ltd and president of the National Billav Maha Mandal, emphasised the bank’s dedication to its clientele.
“Bharat Co-operative Bank has reached this milestone because we prioritise swift and satisfactory customer service. Our customers are our highest priority. Modernisation is both necessary and inevitable, but progressing while honouring our traditional roots is equally vital. Through innovative services, Bharat Co-operative Bank has grown stronger, and reflecting on our journey enables us to aspire to even greater heights,” he said.
The newly relocated branch will be led by Krutika A Sunil, branch head, assisted by deputy branch head Uma Rohit Kamat. Somnath B Ameen, deputy vice president, inaugurated the branch’s ATM services.
The event attracted an array of prominent personalities, including Anant Bhiku (Bal) Nar, MLA of Jogeshwari East (Shiv Sena), Lakshman C Poojary (NCP), senior social workers Babu K Poojary (Andheri), and business leaders Sridevi Kapoor, Neelkant Shah, Imran Sheikh, Kamal Agarwal, Bharat Rathod.
Bank directors Gaurish R Kotian, Chandrashekhar S Poojary, Ashok M Kotian, Mohandas G Poojary, Santosh K Poojary, Niranjan L Poojary, Ganesh D Poojary, Suresh B Suvarna, Jayalakshmi P Saliyan, Jayashree Mohandas Hejmadi attended, along with board members including Nityanand D Kotian (former general manager), managing director & CEO Vidyanand S Karkera, and joint managing director Dinesh B Saliyan.
The ceremony also saw participation from social workers Muddu C Suvarna (Jogeshwari), Rohit N Poojary, Sujata N Poojary, entrepreneurs Beli Maurya, Madhusudan Rao, Ramjee Gada, Bhavani Gada, Bakul Patel, Sorab Billimoria, K Dantal, retired general manager Shobha Dayanand, legal professionals Dr U Dhananjaya Kumar, and senior officers from various bank branches.
The inauguration included spiritual observances, with Ravindra A Shanti conducting Gana Homa and Sri Satyanarayana Mahapuja, followed by Mangalarati. Gangadhar Kalladi distributed Thirtha Prasada, and Yatish Udyavar, Nityashree Salyan, and Sumant Saliyan acted as the pooja’s yajmans.
Guests were welcomed by Prathi Sundar Kotian, and vice president Suryakant Suvarna honoured them with bouquets. Branch head Krutika A Sunil introduced the dignitaries, while Deputy branch head Uma Rohit Kamat proposed a vote of thanks.
Directors praised the bank’s consistent dedication to customers. Gaurish R Kotian said, “Bharat Co-operative Bank (Mumbai) Ltd has always remained committed to reliable service. From its inception, it has consistently upheld its promise to customers, and this dedication continues today.”
The relocation of the Jogeshwari East branch represents Bharat Co-operative Bank’s vision of combining modern banking facilities with its long-standing tradition of service excellence, reinforcing its commitment to both customers and the community.