Late Dr. V S Sonde – A visionary par excellence

(28/12/1930 to 11/10/2020)

Born on 28^th December 1930, Dr. V S Sonde a graduate in Agricultural Science from Karnataka University, Dharwad in 1952, utilised his knowledge and skills in the field of Agriculture and Horticulture and established farmlands and cash crops like arecanut of over 30 acres in progressive farming and cultivated paddy, coconut and also pepper, cardamom etc.

He followed the footsteps of his grandfather Late Shri S N Keshwain, who was also Founder and Chairman of the bank.  Taking inspiration from him, he decided to join the Board as Director in 1964.  In the year 1987 he was elected as President of the bank.  For more than three decades, he steered the destinies of the bank with his astute judgment and taking the bank to newer heights year after year.  During his tenure as Chairman, the assets of the bank grew from Rs.8.00 crore in 1986 to Rs.836.00 crore in 2019.  During his tenure, bank diversified its activities in Uttara Kannada and from just 4 location in Uttara Kannada, it grew into a massive institution of sixteen branches, spread in Uttara Kannada, Dharwad and Bangalore.  The shareholders were also rewarded with consistent dividends

Dr. V S Sonde was soft spoken, simple straightforward, patient and his ability to sense other’s emotions got people attracted to him.  The people were also drawn towards him by his work ethics, his sense of judgment, correct timing.  Even an unknown person spontaneously desired to admire and respect him.

He had the ability to keep abreast with all the changes in this ever changing world.  He possessed exclusive vast knowledge of the Co-operative Act and Rules and kept himself updated with the amendments from time to time.

He had appropriate knowledge and attitude along with the necessary skills to professionally handle any situation that came across in the sphere of Co-operative Sector and banking. This undoubtedly helped immensely in elevating the bank to its present status being as top 10 Urban Co-operative Banks in the Karnataka State.  He possessed man management skills, he had tactfully and successfully kept in amicable relationship, not only with the workforce but also with shareholders as well. He is a catalyst for inspiring his subordinates and fellow colleagues and in turn they have extended their respect for him by treating his word as final, in any given situation.

He was among the chosen few to be conferred with various prestigious awards like “Vidhyadhiraj Puraskar”, “Karnataka State Rajyotsava Award”, “Upayan” Literary Award, “Co-operator Par Excellance Award” and “Honorary Doctorate” Award by Karnatak University, Dharwad.

In addition to his knowledge of banking, he was also versatile in other areas like Education, Literacy, Agriculture, Public Library, Public Health Care, Religious activities.

We salute this multi-faceted personality as our role model, guide and his thoughts and guidance would be the flag bearer to take our bank to the further path of glory.