A Century and Beyond: City Union Bank Turns 120 with Presidential Applause

The Business Factors News Desk

Chennai, Sept 2, 2025 — The stately halls of Chennai pulsed with pride and purpose today as City Union Bank marked its 120th foundation day—a milestone few institutions live to see. But this wasn’t just a ceremonial affair. It was a moment of reckoning, reflection, and roaring optimism, graced by none other than the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu who delivered a stirring address that turned heads and stirred hearts.

“India’s economy is sprinting ahead, and our banks are the wind beneath its wings,” the President declared, setting the tone for an afternoon that celebrated not just longevity, but legacy.

Banking Beyond Boundaries

Gone are the days when banks were mere vaults of currency. Today, they’re engines of empowerment, catalysts of change, and gateways to dreams. President Murmu spotlighted how institutions like City Union Bank have evolved into multi-dimensional service hubs, offering everything from micro-loans to mobile apps, insurance to investment tools—all tailored to meet the rising aspirations of a billion-plus citizens.

Financial Inclusion: The Heartbeat of Progress

In a country where millions still reside in rural and semi-urban pockets, financial inclusion isn’t a buzzword—it’s a lifeline. The President lauded City Union Bank’s strides in bringing banking to the doorstep of the underserved, saying,

She emphasised that payment banks, digital wallets, and fintech innovations are rewriting the rules of engagement, making banking not only accessible but also intuitive. Yet, she didn’t shy away from the challenges—digital literacy, internet penetration, and financial awareness remain hurdles that demand collective resolve.

Farmers, MSMEs, and the Forgotten Workforce

With a firm voice and compassionate tone, President Murmu called on the banking sector to prioritise the rural economy, urging banks to extend timely credit, agri-tech support, and financial education to farmers. She envisioned a future where MSMEs become growth dynamos, and where daily wage earners and migrant labourers are seamlessly woven into the financial fabric of the nation.

Banking the Future: From Startups to Smart Cities

As India marches toward a digital-first, knowledge-driven economy, the President underscored the transformative role of banks in powering innovation. Whether it’s funding startups, fueling smart city infrastructure, or backing entrepreneurs, banks are no longer just financial institutions—they’re nation builders.

A Celebration of Vision and Values

City Union Bank’s 120th anniversary wasn’t just a tribute to its past—it was a clarion call for the future. With President Murmu’s powerful endorsement, the event became a rallying cry for inclusive growth, digital transformation, and economic justice.

As the applause echoed through the venue, one thing was clear: India’s banking story is far from over—and it’s being written in bold, visionary strokes.