“Banking - By The People, of the People and for the People”

B anking “By the People, of the People and for the People” is the philosophy behind the launch of the Kalanjiam Community Banking programme in DHAN Foundation. The genesis of the Kalanjiam Community Banking Programme of DHAN Foundation in 1990 was a result of its analysis of rural poverty situation that revealed rampant exploitation of the poor by the moneylenders.

The basic premise of designing the “Kalanjiam Community Banking Programme” was to build the capacities of the poor and enable them to manage financial services and build strong, sustainable Peoples’Organisations to address their development needs.

On Kalanjiam Movement Day, we remind ourselves of the pledge of enabling the poor through poverty alleviation. It is on this day, that our Kalanjiam Members across all the federations come together to celebrate the unity within them and to cherish the feeling of oneness existing amongst all.

Let us take a glance at how the Kalanjiam Movement Day was celebrated across all our locations.

Mysore Region:

On the occasion of Kalanjiam Movement Day, Skill-building training was organized for the members. Canara bank Region Office officer Mrs Poornashri, Canara bank branch AEO Mrs Sushmitha, FC Narayan Hegde, Federation president Mrs. Latha were there.

Training was given on saree tassels designing and hand embroidery.

Tumkur Region:

Kalanjiam Movement Day was celebrated with lots of enthusiasm at the Devrayanadurga location at Tumkur. Here, the associates gave tree saplings and rice to the poor families as part of the celebration.

Kalanjiam movement day celebrations were held at the Shivaganga location. The panchayat leader and school headmaster joined the celebrations. Around 125 masks were distributed to school children and plant saplings were planted during the event.

Kalanjiam Movement day celebrations were held at the Madhugiri location with a representation of all the Kalanjiam group members. As a part of the celebrations, a candle-light ceremony was held and the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi was facilitated. Mrs. Vanija, Canara Bank RO office was invited as the guest of honor during the celebrations.

Kalanjiam Movement day was marked at the Siddhaganga location with Kalanjiam members coming together and sharing their memories & experiences of being with the Kalanjiam Foundation.

Vizag Region:

Shanthinagar location from Vizag region celebrated Kalanjiam Movement Day with ample spirit and enthusiasm. As a part of the event, all the members took oaths for keeping the spirit of Kalanjiam alive in them forever.

Koraput Region:

The Koraput region, Orissa celebrated Kalanjiam Movement day with a serene celebration with all the members of the Kalanjiam in the Semiliguda location. The celebrations involved reflection on past achievements and introspection on the way forward.

Solapur Region:

The associates came together for celebrating Kalanjiam Movement Day. The celebrations were held at Gandhinagar & Babujinagar locations.

As per the tradition, two handfuls of rice was donated by each Kalanjiam member for the needy and poor. The Kalanjiam members shared their reflections and vision with the other members.