SBI Foundation Launches ‘SBI-Sammaan’ Program in Gagode to Honor Vinoba Bhave

Shri Sanjay Prakash, Managing Director of SBI Foundation, today launched ‘SBI Sammaan – Homage to the National Heroes‘ program in Gagode Budruk to pay tribute to ‘Bharatratna‘ Vinoba Bhave.

SBI Foundation launches ‘SBI Sammaan’ in Gagode Budruk, paying tribute to Vinoba Bhave with key developmental initiatives aimed at uplifting the local community

Sammaan is a unique program series initiated by SBI Foundation to pay homage to some prominent personalities from various parts of the country, by carrying out developmental activities in their native villages. Vinoba Bhave is one amongst the freedom fighters identified for the Sammaan program and various developmental activities are being carried out in Gagode Budruk, his birthplace.

Upgradation of the Government Schools and Anganwadis, installation of drinking water filters, solar street lights, dustbins, and the establishment of a stitching training center are some of the activities which have been initiated so far. Additionally, ‘Vinoba Bhavan’, a community center has been set up for information dissemination and facilitating online services. SBI Foundation has partnered with ANARDE Foundation, a non-profit organization for implementation of this CSR program.

Shri Sanjay Prakash shared, “Sammaan is a unique initiative aimed at honoring renowned freedom fighters, war veterans, and public heroes by carrying out developmental activities in their native places. Vinoba Bhave ji is a towering figure in India’s Independence movement, and we are pleased to pay our humble homage through the Sammaan program in Gagode Budruk.”

Shri. Naveen Misra, Deputy General Manager of SBI Mumbai East Zone stated, “Vinoba Bhave pioneered the Boodhan movement for the landless and his ‘Sarvoday’ philosophy is lauded across the world. We are proud to contribute towards the development of his village and hope that these initiatives will benefit the local communities.“

Smt. Nita Mahuvakar, CEO of ANARDE Foundation expressed, “This is a novel program, especially given the dire need for such interventions in the area. We extend our gratitude to the Gagode Panchayat and other stakeholders for their support and active involvement in the efforts being carried out in memory of the great visionary from their village.“

Shri. Shivaji Phadtare, DYSP Pen, Smt. Savita Kamble ABDO Pen, Smt. Vrushali Patil, Administrator of Gagode Panchayat, Shri. Vijay Diwan of Vinoba Janmasthan Pratishthan and the local communities were present during the event.

About SBI Foundation

SBI Foundation is the CSR arm of the State Bank Group. True to the Bank’s tradition of ‘Service Beyond Banking’, the Foundation engages with communities in various focus areas,including rural development, healthcare, empowerment of PwDs, education, sustainability and environment, livelihood and skill development, and more. Operating across 28 states and 7 union territories in India, the Foundation undertakes initiatives to provide resources to vulnerable sections of society through strategic partnerships with impactful entities in the social sector. The Foundation believes in reflecting the ethos of the State Bank Group in running interventions that are ethical, promote growth and equality, and improve the socio-economic well-being of the society. www.sbifoundation.in.