Banking Odyssey : The Story of Canara Bank

Contents: Foreword. I. 1906-1942: 1. A gift of noble origin. 2. The early beginnings. 3. Years of turmoil. II. 1943-1969: 4. A tryst with destiny. 5. Think of me--sometimes. 6. Going to the people. III. 1970-1990: 7. Change of guard. 8. Aiming for the stars. 9. The steady hand. 10. The bank with a human face. IV. 1991-2005: 11. Consolidating the gains. 12. Onward ever onward. 13. On the millennium beat. 14. An indelible imprint. An interview with Chairman and Managing Director M.B.N. Rao. Organizational structures as on 1 April 2006. Canara Bank: circle offices jurisdiction. Postscript. Acknowledgments. Appendices. Calendar of key events. Board of Directors--past and present. Horoscope. A few selected indicators of growth. Index.

    "Canara Bank is now a hundred years old. Founded on 1 July 1906, with laudable intentions of helping the common man, Canara Bank now ranks as the largest among the nationalized banks in terms of global business. It is also one of the highest profit earners among Indian banks.

    Canara Bank's rise to preeminence is in large measure due to the sincerity and devotion of a large number of individuals who have been true catalysts in the stupendous growth that the bank has achieved over the years.

    Canara Bank's story began in the coastal town of Mangalore. Today, it has its headquarters at Bangalore and over 2,500 branches spread all over the country, manned by a staff of nearly 47,000 besides offices and service units at all important centres.

    Nationalized in 1969 along with thirteen other banks, the government still has a major stake in the Canara Bank, though after it went public in 2002, shareholders have a stake in the equity.

    Canara Bank's distinct culture, its brand image, its fortitude and its ability to harness change to its advantage have always set it apart from its contemporaries.

    This book is a faithful account of the bank's march to the very top. As you traverse the path of this march, you will find intimate vignettes of the past jostling for space with the events of the present, as also the story of the men and women who made it all possible." (jacket)