Lost and Found

Citizens moment shared by Shri Pradip B. Kale, Head Messenger, Civil Lines Treasury Branch, Wardha in the class

The incident took place way back in 1983 when he was working as Waterman-cum-Sweeper on Half-time basis at a Village branch named Sarwadi, Tq. & Dist. Wardha.

One day an old illiterate lady from a nearby village had came to the branch early morning to avail Gold loan. However, as the Branch was yet to be opened she waited in the Branch premises, near one bucket containing sand meant for prevention of fire (if any) and was chewing “pan” for some time. Thereafter, she realized that some gold ornament from her purse (one Necklace weighing around 12 Tolas) is missing. She made lot of hue & cry at the branch and charged that some one from the Bank had stolen the ornaments. Everybody tried to search for it but in vain and console the old lady but she being an illiterate spread a news in the village that the Bank staff has cheated her. That has defamed the Bank’s name in the village.

After about 5-6 months when Shri Kale was cleaning the Branch premises and lifted the bucket filled with sand with a view to replenish it, he noticed a small purse there. He opened the purse and was surprised to see a gold necklace inside. At that time Shri Kale was alone in the Branch premises and he recollected the incidence narrated by the old lady immediately. At that time Shri Kale was getting Rs. 250/- p.m. from the Bank and was living with his father & mother. He shared the incidence with some of his friends, who advice him to dispose of the ornament and repay all his debts as no one will be aware of it now. However, Shri Kale handed over the purse to the Branch Manager and urged him to hand it over to the old lady as Bank’s name was unnecessarily tarnished in the process. The Branch manager went to the lady and handed over the purse to the old lady after due identification. She was very much pleased and had tears of happiness. She offered a prize to Shri Kale who politely refused to accept it saying that he is satisfied with whatever he is getting from the Bank. This incident spread in the village immediately and every body in the village appreciated Shri Kale. The news was also published in local Newspaper narrating the honesty of Shri Kale.

The Branch Manager insisted that Shri Kale should be rewarded for the incident and asked him what he wanted. Shri Kale politely said that he is happy with whatever he is getting from the Bank and if possible the B.M can recommend him for converting to a Fulltime Messenger. The B.M. persuaded the case with Region Office Authorities. The Regional Office also took cognizance of the incidence and sent an Appreciation letter to Shri Kale and also confirmed him as a Fulltime Messenger.

Shri Kale expressed a deep sense of belongingness towards SBI while narrating the incidence which has motivated all the participants.

(We thank Mr Santosh Pore, Akola centre for forwarding us this moment)