Finance Minister unveils J&K Bank Calendar 2017

Srinagar, Dec 31(KMW): State Finance Minister Dr Haseeb Drabu today unveiled the J&K Bank Calendar-2017 amid thunderous applause here at Corporate Headquarters in presence of bank’s Chairman and CEO Parvez Ahmed, Vice Chancellor Kashmir University Prof Khurshid Andrabi and former Vice Chancellor Islamic University of Science & Technology Prof Siddiq Wahid.
Themed as ‘Pride of Paradise’, the bank’s Calendar-2017 showcases twelve achievers from across J&K who have made the entire state proud by following their dreams till realisation with perseverance and proper training.
The bank’s Executive Presidents Vagesh Chander, S S Sehgal, Abdul Rauf Bhat, Senior Presidents Abdul Rashid, Mohammad Sayed Wani and S K Bhat Presidents, Vice-Presidents and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.
Dr Haseeb Drabu, who was also Chief Guest on the occasion, said, “I don’t see it as a calendar but an intervention into the social space with a certain power of messaging. The bank has been coming up with calendars over a period of time now that have helped to rediscover the state beyond its aesthetic value to the outside world. These calendars have been representing our people, our history and our heritage.”
“This year’s calendar is sending a very powerful message out and that is about the aspirations of youth. It is really a great thing for a calendar to focus on this positive theme during these times”, he added.
Stressing upon the need for strong corporate governance, he reiterated his government’s complete support for the bank in every possible way.
Commending the bank staff for their capacity and commitment, Dr Drabu said, “The greatest of J&K Bank’s strength is its people, who always exhibit a certain sense of positivity in tough times.”
Earlier, giving a brief about the idea behind this year’s calendar, J&K Bank Chairman & CEO Parvez Ahmed said, “Our youth has immense talent and potential, which just needs our guidance, encouragement and support. This year, we selected an unconventional theme ‘Pride of Paradise’ for the calendar, wherein we have made an humble attempt to showcase the twelve achievers of the state having outstanding accomplishments along with genuine recognition from national and in many cases from international forums.”
“On this occasion, I acknowledge and express my gratitude for the inputs and insights of our finance minister Dr Haseeb Drabu from the conception till completion of this calendar. It is under his leadership many years back, the bank not only rediscovered its brand but presented a formidable combination of identity and image to earn the global acclaim”, he added.
“I would like to thank the jury for providing us the best of the achievers’ lot and within a short duration of time available to us”, he said.
Chairman also appreciated the achievements and contribution of all other participants on this occasion.
Earlier, Chairman presented a Kashmiri shawl to the Chief Guest, as a token of love from the bank.
Chief Guest and other dignitaries presented mementos and a token cheque to those featured in the calendar.
Present on the occasion, the members of expert committee also spoke about the concept of calendar and the criteria of their selection.
“We did our best to be correct and balanced in regional, political and social sense while finalising the list. And I am really proud of J&K Bank for showing us the way not only to support but nourish and develop the talent as required”, Said VC KU Prof Khursheed.
While congratulating the bank for encouraging the young talent of the state, Prof Siddiq Wahid suggested the bank to invest aggressively in building institutions with commercial value as well like in education, health and tourism.
“It is only institution building that can help us advance forward to meet current and upcoming challenges”, he said.
VC Jammu University Prof R D Sharma, who could not join the function due to some official engagements, was also part of the selection committee.
The bank’s Executive President S S Sehgal concluded the function by presenting the vote of thanks. RJ Sardar Nasir Ali of Big 92.7 FM anchored the programme.