A Proud Homecoming for The Zoroastrian Cooperative Bank Ltd. in Pune

On a bright 10 September morning, history came full circle for The Zoroastrian Cooperative Bank Ltd. in Pune. After 12 years at its old premises, the Bank shifted to a new, centrally located space — and in doing so, returned to its roots.

At the inauguration, Saroosh Dinshaw, great-grandson of Cowasji Dinshaw, spoke with visible emotion. He reminded everyone that the Cowasji Dinshaw Library, right in the heart of Camp, has long stood as a landmark for the community. It was Cowasji’s son, Hormasjee Dinshaw, who first laid the foundation of the Zoroastrian Bank. And now, in a deeply moving moment, the Bank has returned to the very same building as the library. As Saroosh cut the ribbon, he reflected: “It feels like family has come back together.” That sense of continuity — four generations woven into one morning — set the tone for the day.

The new premises, directly opposite Kayani Bakery, were bustling with excitement. Dignitaries, customers, and well-wishers filled the bank, among them the Bank’s leadership: Chairman Mr. Yazdi Tantra, Vice-Chairman Mr. Phillie Karkaria, and the Board of Directors — Mr. Zubin Billimoria, Mr. Manek Kayaniwalla, Mrs. Shernaz Mehta, Mr. Noshir Paghdiwalla, Dr. Firdos Shroff, Mr. Bakhtyar Saklatwala, Mrs. Smita Tambe, Mrs. Mahrukh Vazifdar, and Mr. Daljit Dogra, MD and CEO.

The morning began at 9:15 a.m. with a jashan, performed by Er. Porus Sinor, Er. Noshirwan Dastur, Er. Jamshed Karkaria, and Er. Arzaan K. Khambatta. The fragrance of sandalwood and the beauty of flowers seemed to infuse the building with blessings for a new and prosperous chapter. Among those in attendance were some of the Pune branch’s very first account holders from 1997. Mr. Cawas Pundole, the Bank’s very first client, proudly joined in the prayers, embodying the spirit of continuity from the past to the present. The inauguration drew people of all ages — young, old, and elderly — many of whom warmly referred to it as ‘their bank.’ It was a truly heartening sight.

After the prayers, balloons floated up as the ribbon was cut. The bank and the ATM were inaugurated, and guests enjoyed delicious refreshments arranged by Jehabux Desai. The entrance was adorned with a striking rangoli created by Farzana Irani, while volunteer Pourush Irani worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Smiles, laughter, and congratulations filled the air — it was a festival of joy and pride.

But even amidst the celebration, the work ethic of the staff shone through. The Bank did not close its counters for the day. As exuberance and cheer echoed, customers lined up to renew deposits, complete RTGS transfers, and open new accounts. Bouquets arrived, snacks were shared, and people praised the staff’s warmth and efficiency. The blend of festivity and diligence was a fitting reminder of what has always defined the Bank — service with sincerity.

Community Voices, Shared Trust

Long-time clients and staff reflected on the Bank’s journey:

“I opened my account here in 1997 and have stayed ever since. The staff is very helpful, and now as a senior citizen, I feel completely secure banking here.” — Zenobia Bharucha

“In the early days, people thought the Bank was only for Parsis. But over time, we showed that it is a cosmopolitan, multi-state, scheduled cooperative bank. Customers from all backgrounds trust us because they know ‘Bawaji ka bank’ means their money is safe and the Bank will never default.” — Framroze Taraporewalla, staff member since the Pune branch’s opening in 1997. He has served for 28 years.

“Today, I own a flat and a car because of Zoroastrian Bank’s support. The loan process was smooth, the service excellent — especially during the pandemic when the staff, led by Jasmine (branch manager), worked tirelessly. They are cooperative, dynamic, and always ready to help.” — Advocate Vinod Salesa.

Leadership and Growth

Branch Head Mrs. Jasmine Kerawalla, who took charge of the Pune branch at just 27 years of age, described the inauguration as both humbling and motivating:
“Shifting after 12 years to the new premises was a big step, but it feels like a new beginning. My journey with the Bank has been one of growth — from a young manager learning the ropes to becoming a leader with responsibility on my shoulders. The trust our customers and leadership place in us inspires me to aim higher. My dream is to open a second branch in Pune, and I will work tirelessly towards it.”

Past leaders, too, shared their pride:

Tehmasp Bharucha, Pune branch’s first manager, reminisced: “I have seen the Bank grow from its earliest sketches and construction plans into a full-fledged institution — from setting up the premises in 1997, securing the RBI license, and recruiting staff to conducting business on our very first day worth ₹1 crore. Over the years, the Bank has continued to grow, moving now to a spacious new premise. From the days of manual banking to today’s advanced technology, we have kept pace even as competition increased. Through it all, our greatest strength has been our staff — true ambassadors of the Bank.”

Rohinton Bharda, who retired in 2009 as Pune’s Zoroastrian Bank Branch Manager, reflected: “Coming from State Bank to Zoroastrian Bank was a rewarding move. Throughout my tenure, I was fortunate to have loyal customers, and I deeply valued the opportunity to serve them. Having been associated with the branch since its inception in Pune, my journey was both enriching and fulfilling. It was not only a responsibility but also a privilege to serve the Bank.”

A Vision for the Future

MD and CEO Mr. Daljit Dogra, who joined in 2019, underlined the Bank’s modern outlook:
“We have introduced core banking solutions, diversified into education loans to support students, and ventured into solar and green energy loans. Many of our borrowers today are non-Parsis, showing the inclusive nature of our growth. Transparency, clean business, and technological progress — internet banking, SMS banking, and beyond — are our focus. The journey is enriching, and our eyes are firmly set on future expansion.”

Mr. Yazdi Tantra, Chairman of the Zoroastrian Cooperative Bank, reflected with pride:

“Pune’s growth story has been nothing short of remarkable — from its roots as the capital of the Maratha Empire to its rise today as a vibrant hub of IT, automobiles, and manufacturing. In keeping with this transformation, our Bank too has taken a significant step forward by moving into a modern, centrally located premises right in the heart of the city’s business hub.

With cutting-edge technology to serve individuals, professionals, and businesses alike, we are growing in pace with the city we proudly call home. Yet, even as we embrace modernization, our foundation remains unchanged — the timeless principles of Tradition and Trust that have guided us for 97 years.

As we look ahead to our Centenary in 2027, we do so with renewed vigour and determination, carrying with us a solemn promise: to serve our community better, every single day.”

Full Circle, Fresh Start
The relocation of the Pune branch is more than just a move — it is a symbolic return to origins, a reaffirmation of the trust customers place in “Bawaji ka bank,” and a step forward into a future of innovation and inclusivity. It stands as a testament to the hard work and resilience of its staff, who have carried the institution forward with dedication, and to the trust customers have placed in it over decades. The Zoroastrian Cooperative Bank in Pune has written a new chapter — one that promises continuity, commitment, trust, growth, and prosperity for generations to come.

-Freny Daruwalla

Courtesy : Jame Jamshed – 140925