Sydney is the latest city on the growth map of the Bank of Baroda (BoB). An award-winning international bank, BoB was founded by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad in the Indian city of Baroda (now Vadodara) on 20July 1908, and has 99 overseas branches/foreign offices in 26 countries across 5 continents, serving a global customer base of more than 39 million people.
BoB’s Sydney branch came into existence on 16 October 2012, and is regulated under the Reserve Bank of Australia and Australian Prudential and Regulation Authority.
It was officially launched on 26 November on Castlereagh Street, Sydney, in the presence of Subhash Mundra, Chairman and Managing Director, of BoB, along with Greg Smith, SC MP Member of the Legislative Assembly, Attorney General, and Minister for Justice and Dr Peta Seaton, Director, Strategic Priorities, NSW Government, along with distinguished members of the community.
The launch was followed by a gala dinner celebration organised by Gandhi Creations, with more than 100 guests gathering at the newly opened Doltone House Hyde Park venue for an Indian-inspired meal followed by live entertainment from a trip of musicians, Bollywood dancers, and a very special act by Madar the magician, which left the audience speechless.
The programme commenced with a welcome note by V G Pandit, BoB’s Chief Executive at Sydney, and was followed by keynote address by Mr Mundra, who spoke about the banking business, and requested the Indian community and business houses to support the bank in Sydney. “It is an important day as we have officially launched the Bank of Baroda. The Indian-Australia relationships are getting better but the import from India is still not as much, but with these kind of developments, in the times to come we will definitely see positive developments on either side,” he said.
He said that the BoB philosophy has always been to keep up with the latest technology and developments in the banking sector, a philosophy they have followed since the bank was set up 105 years ago. “But while remaining hi-tech, our foremost motive is also to remain in ‘hi-touch’ with our customers,” he added.
Referring to the entertainment of the evening, which saw a melodious fusion of three different instruments, Mr Mundra said, “Banking is the fusion of three different elements — depositors, borrowers and lenders, and as long as there is perfect understanding and co-ordination between the three, you will get the best results.”
Dignitaries in attendance included Dipen Rughani, National Chairman, AIBC; Raj Datta, Councillor, Strathfield Council representing John Robertson, Opposition Leader; Nihal Gupta, Chairman, NSW Multicultural Business Advisory Panel representing the Premier; and Dr Vinod Bahade, Deputy Consul, Indian Consulate Sydney.
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
