Life has a way of presenting opportunities that shape not just our careers but also our inner selves. My journey with Citizen SBI was one such transformative experience. It began with my selection as faculty for the State Bank Academy, Gurgaon—a position I never assumed. Instead, I was posted as the head of the learning center at Indore, a role that coincided with my appointment as the intervention leader for the Citizen-SBI program.
Citizen SBI was more than a training program. Inspired by Swami Ranganathananda of the Ramakrishna Mission, it aimed to cultivate ‘enlightened citizenship.’ This concept transcended political citizenship—focused on rights and freedoms—and emphasized a deeper engagement with collective welfare and individual fulfillment. The program was the brainchild of our chairman, O.P. Bhatt, who envisioned its impact extending to 200,000 employees and, through them, to 140 million customers.
The foundation of this initiative was engagement—true, deep involvement in one’s work. As I immersed myself in its philosophy, I discovered the transformative power of meaningful contribution. No longer was work just a duty; it became a purpose-driven act of service. This shift in mindset was a spiritual awakening for me.
The journey began with workshops and pilots across locations, from Mumbai to Hyderabad and Gurgaon. I remember vividly my first interaction with V. Srinivas, the visionary CEO of Illumine Knowledge Resources. His conviction was palpable, though his ideas initially seemed abstract to many. Over time, through detailed workshops and apprenticeships, the abstract became tangible, and the facilitators, including myself, underwent a profound transformation.
The program’s influence extended beyond professional training. It created a rich network of facilitators, bonded by a shared purpose. The ‘facilitator gym’ sessions at the Bandra-Kurla Complex honed our skills and deepened our understanding of citizenship. These moments of camaraderie and collective learning were deeply fulfilling.
Back in Indore, I was tasked with implementing Citizen SBI in the State Bank of Indore. Initially, there was resistance—they did not yet see themselves as citizens of SBI. However, with the help of facilitators like Suresh Iyer, Harinaxi Sharma, and Arun Kalway, we gradually earned their trust. The program’s ethos resonated, bringing about a noticeable shift in their attitudes.
The essence of Citizen SBI was not about personal gain but about contributing positively to others. It wasn’t ‘swantah sukhai’—happiness for oneself—but a collective welfare-driven joy. This philosophy became my way of life, influencing not just my work but my personal ethos.
The program’s success was also a testament to the incredible people involved. Intervention leaders like Bijaya Dash, R. Natarajan, and Balachandra Bhat became cherished friends. Vasudha Sundararaman, our deputy general manager, coordinated the program with unmatched efficiency and warmth. Above all, V. Srinivas, with his dedication to the cause, became a source of inspiration—a guru whose example I sought to follow in words and deeds.
As I reflect on this journey, I find myself deeply fulfilled. I have reaped not only the ‘outer fruits’ of professional growth and recognition but also the ‘inner fruits’ of spiritual evolution and the joy of contribution. My experiences as a behavioral science trainer and student of positive psychology further enriched this journey, grounding it in the principles of authentic happiness.
Citizen SBI was not merely a program; it was a movement, a way of life. It taught me that true citizenship is an internal transformation, a continuous journey of growth, contribution, and engagement. It is a journey I carry forward with pride and gratitude, knowing that it has shaped me into not just a professional but a better human being.
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