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Pune:
Shri Swaminathan J, Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, delivered an inspiring valedictory address to the PGDM Batch of 2025-27 at the National Institute of Bank Management (NIBM), Pune. His speech, titled “Reflections from a Banker’s Journey,” offered profound insights drawn from his decades-long career in both the State Bank of India and the Reserve Bank of India.
Addressing future bankers, Swaminathan emphasized that a successful career in banking demands more than just knowledge—it calls for adaptability, foresight, endurance, and empathy. He shared four metaphoric lessons—The Lemon, The Lookout, The Deer, and The King—to highlight these traits.
1. The Lemon:
Recounting his early career, Swaminathan narrated how an unexpected posting as a computer programmer—despite having no technical background—became a turning point in his journey. “Life will hand you lemons,” he said, “so be prepared to make lemonade, lemon pickle, or lemon cake—whatever the situation demands.”
2. The Lookout:
Drawing parallels with the Titanic tragedy, he emphasized the importance of early risk detection in modern banking. “You must be that lookout,” he urged, “always asking what’s on the horizon before it’s too late.”
3. The Deer:
Comparing agility and endurance to a deer escaping a cheetah, he advised students to be resilient and adaptable. “A good banker isn’t just quick to act—but can also endure uncertainty and navigate slow, complex challenges,” he noted.
4. The King (Customer):
Concluding with the most vital aspect—customer-centricity—Swaminathan stressed that the “Customer is King” is not just a slogan but a core duty. He warned against growing digital impersonalization and called for more empathy. “Technology enables transactions, but only bankers can build relationships and earn trust,” he said.
The Deputy Governor commended NIBM’s role in shaping India’s banking leadership since 1969 and expressed confidence in the new batch’s ability to meet evolving challenges with courage and character.
The event underscored the transformative power of leadership and the enduring importance of human values in an increasingly digital banking landscape.
