Moments and memories are essential aspects of our lives, encompassing the experiences and recollections that shape who we are. Moments refer to specific points in time that hold significance or meaning. They can be big or small, joyful or challenging. Memories are the recollections of past experiences and moments.
On May 23, 2024, I bid farewell to Erbil after resigning from the bank. The evening before, at Hiror Restaurant, I cherished the company of friends and indulged in exquisite food. Despite the joy, the impending separation weighed heavily on us. The thought of not seeing Arbab and Joel regularly saddened me. Their friendship made my time in Erbil truly enjoyable, and I hope our paths cross again someday.
Sunil Chhetri, an icon of Indian football, retires after a stellar career. With over 150 caps and 94 goals for the national team, he leaves a lasting legacy. As captain, he inspired change beyond the field and garnered numerous awards. Chhetri’s impact on the sport and dedication to young talent will endure.
Shubho Noboborsho, the Bengali New Year, symbolizes renewal, unity, and rich cultural heritage. Celebrated on the 14th or 15th of April, it embodies new beginnings and traditions deeply rooted in Bengali culture. Amidst vibrant festivities, preparations include cleaning homes, making traditional sweets, and decorating with Alpana. Despite modernization, the festival's essence of reflection, family bonds, and personal connections remains cherished. Shubho Noboborsho celebrates optimism and the promise of new beginnings.
Rashbehari Ghosh, a prominent Bengali advocate and philanthropist, defied English authority and excelled in the field of law. He opposed the partition of Bengal, supported the Swadeshi movement, and championed technical education, leaving a lasting impact on Indian society. He established educational institutions and supported scientific endeavors. His legacy as a nationalist and freedom fighter endures through institutions like Jadavpur University.
The reunion with old classmates was a heartwarming experience, filled with nostalgia and joy. Meeting at a cozy corner in New Delhi, we reminisced about shared memories and marveled at each other's growth and achievements. The diverse paths we had taken since school were inspiring, highlighting the enduring importance of friendships.
Before the 1990s, the year-end closing ceremony at banks in India held considerable importance, requiring extensive manual effort. The meticulous tasks of calculating interests, balancing accounts, and concluding the financial year not only fostered a festive ambience but also strengthened the bonds among employees. Despite the challenges of manual banking and occasional tensions among union leaders, the camaraderie and collective commitment are nostalgically cherished. While technological advancements have phased out these traditions, the spirit of those year-end festivities endures in the memories of those who were part of that era.
The Trade Bank of Iraq (TBI) transformed the country's banking sector through the adoption of a centralized core banking system in 2010, despite political instability and infrastructural challenges. The system, implemented in partnership with London-based Misys, revolutionized daily banking operations, such as deposit management, trade finance, and financial record keeping. The initiative marked a significant milestone for Iraq's banking, facilitating financial inclusion and digital innovation, and set new standards for efficiency and accessibility in the sector.
On June 2, 2023, a catastrophic train accident involving three trains occurred in Odisha's Balasore district. It killed roughly 300 people and injured more than 1000, marking it as one of India's worst train disasters. An alleged "change in electronic interlocking" is under investigation as the cause. The accident raised concerns over the safety of India's railway system, highlighting necessary modernization. In response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced compensation for the victims.
Somen Debnath embarked on a global bicycle journey to raise HIV/AIDS awareness, covering 185,400 kilometers across 170 countries. Facing challenges including captivity by the Taliban, he engaged with diverse communities, diplomats, and leaders, promoting compassion and Indian culture. His journey illustrates the power of determination and human connection, uniting people across borders. Somen's inspiring mission demonstrates the impact of individual effort on a global scale.
The story records a significant process change in the Indian banking industry in the mid-90s, especially Punjab National Bank (PNB), focusing on loan classification, credit portfolio, and bad debts. It involves the initial resistance, doubt, and ultimate adoption of procedures recommended by a junior level officer. The reform decentralized certain functions to zonal offices, thus easing the workload at PNB's Headquarters. The writer relates a challenging yet enriching experience and the trust entrusted in him by his seniors, which led to the successful implementation of this shift.
Indrosphere 