Few know that one of India’s oldest banks was born from the visionary spirit of three Sikh pioneers. In 1908 Amritsar, when financial exploitation plagued Punjab’s farmers and small traders, Sardar Tarlochan Singh, Sardar Sobha Singh, and Sardar Dayal Singh Majithia pooled ₹2.25 lakh to establish Punjab & Sind Bank – not for profit, but as a social mission.
Why It Was Revolutionary
- First “Sikh Bank”: Designed to free Punjabis from loan sharks and colonial-era exploitation.
- Partition Survival: Despite losing 60% of branches to Pakistan in 1947, it rebuilt from ashes.
- Nationalization Pride: In 1969, it became one of India’s first nationalized banks, now with 1,500+ branches.
A Living Legacy
That humble Amritsar office still stands as its headquarters – a silent witness to how Sikh values of seva (service) and economic justice shaped modern India.
Fun Fact: The bank’s early ledgers were handwritten in Gurmukhi, a nod to its roots!
“They didn’t just open a bank – they opened doors for Punjab’s prosperity.” 💰📜 #SikhHistoryUnlocked
