A humorous peek behind the counter, where banking meets quirky characters, unexpected chaos, and unforgettable stories. From eccentric customers to office misadventures, Bankantics brings the lighter, human side of banking to life — one tale at a time.
The branch gate stood open in the quiet of the night, while two bankers raced back imagining audits, explanations, and career obituaries. What they found instead was a customer standing guard—not for the bank, but for his wife’s gold pledged inside. Some controls are written in manuals; others are enforced at home.
On a nostalgic afternoon, the 1985 batch of PNB celebrated 40 years since joining the bank. Amit shared a humorous story about a Chief Manager who valued punctuality above all else. After receiving a ride from a late staff member, the CM, despite the act of camaraderie, reprimanded him for tardiness. The tale highlighted the enduring memories, discipline, and friendship of the batch.
Recent conversations in WhatsApp groups revolve around U.S. tariffs imposed by Donald Trump, sparking talks about India's self-sufficiency. Amid these discussions, a nostalgic tale from 1985 surfaces about a group of banking trainees in Kolkata who experienced financial difficulties, leading them to switch from costly Rothmans cigarettes to cheaper bidis. This quiet form of protest resulted in a successful appeal for an early salary. The self-reliance frequently shows itself through flexibility and unity.
The heartfelt WhatsApp conversation among former Management Trainees at Punjab National Bank reflects on their impactful training period in 1985-86, especially at the vibrant Paltan Bazar branch in Dehradun. I am recalling my experiences of friendship with Mukesh, the differences in our personalities, and the adventures we had at their simple lodge, Sukhsadan. Our enjoyable antics, tea breaks, and unexpected duties emphasize the fun and meaningful moments that influenced our early careers, resulting in treasured memories that last.
In the 1980s, I was a banker at the Aligarh Main Branch. My colleagues and I went on a road trip to a wedding 225 km away. What started as a workday commute turned into a party filled with impromptu dancing and drunkenly altering road signs. We made it back to work on time but faced confused colleagues because of the misleading signs. Despite the chaos, the trip became a memorable experience, highlighting how unexpected mishaps can create lasting memories.
In the banking world, auditors play a critical role in maintaining financial integrity, bringing tension and unpredictability. Senior Branch Manager Mr. Mathur shares humorous anecdotes from his lengthy career, emphasizing the balance between compliance and auditor appeasement. A recent rigorous audit revealed the importance of keeping auditors engaged to ensure smooth resolutions, highlighting the human side of finance.
The office buzzed with nervous energy as news of the Zonal Manager’s visit sparked an overnight transformation—polished files, flawless slides, and a high-tea menu crowned by Yasin’s famous kebabs. Everything flowed smoothly until Sharmaji, too relaxed for his own good, mentioned the kebabs were made with buffalo meat. In an instant, smiles vanished, and the evening’s hard-won harmony collapsed.
When people vent, resist the urge to give unsolicited advice. Practicing active listening by asking, "Are you telling me this to vent, or are you asking for my advice?" fosters deeper relationships and emotional well-being. It respects their feelings, gives them control over the conversation, and avoids frustration. This approach aligns with psychological principles that emphasize empathy and validation in effective communication.
Dubey Sahib's rise from clerk to bank manager amazed colleagues. He embraced his new role with his wife's support but faced a humorous hiccup when wearing women's perfume to work. The tale serves as a reminder of unexpected challenges on the path to success. His slow, steady nature marked both his work and personal life.
March is a hectic time for Sudeep due to increased workload at the bank. Despite family members being away, Sudeep feels overwhelmed and isolated. A misunderstanding with his wife, Deepa, adds to his stress. However, after a heartfelt conversation, they reconcile and vow to be more understanding and patient with each other, realizing the importance of balancing work and personal life.
