The State Bank of India (SBI) has launched a new award called SBI STAR (Staff Talent Acknowledgement & Recognition) to recognise the skills of employees outside their work roles.
Through SBI STAR, the bank aims to recognise the talents of its employees in fields like Arts, Literature, Games & Sports, Culture, Social Work and environmental initiatives. This, as per SBI, is a part of the bank’s long-standing commitment to promote holistic employee engagement, well-being and organisational pride.
SBI Chairman Challa Sreenivasulu Setty shared his thoughts at the launch event, emphasising that employees should be appreciated not only for their professional excellence but also for their personal accomplishments, passion and contributions to society.
“This initiative aims to honour the bank’s multi-talented employees and broaden its collective perspective, reinforcing the belief that at State Bank of India, we value our people in their entirety- as professionals, as creators, and as citizens making a difference,” said Setty.
In its statement, SBI added how many of the bank’s employees have showcased remarkable creativity and talent in their personal awards. This award, as per Setty, celebrates the “human spirit that defines our organisation.”
SBI went on to shed light on some of its employees who serve as examples of just what the bank hopes to reward and celebrate, including:
- Pratiksha Tondwalkar: Progressed to the role of AGM while pursuing her personal aspirations,
- Sanvli: A visually impaired clerk inspiring colleagues and the community through her dedication
- Tarachand Agarwal: A retired banker who cleared the Chartered Accountancy exam at 71,
- Illuri Ajay Kumar Reddy: A partially blind officer who led India’s Blind Cricket Team to five World Cup victories and is the only blind cricketer to receive the Arjuna Award.
These people, as per SBI, are just a few examples of the many employees whose creativity, perseverance, and initiative extend beyond the workplace. Recognising that such talents contribute not only to individual growth but also to the broader spirit of innovation and engagement within the bank, the bank stated.
SBI STAR has been designed to celebrate these achievements in a structured and visible manner. The framework is meant to ensure a fair, transparent, and structured selection process. As part of the process, employees can self-nominate, following which each Circle or Vertical will evaluate and shortlist candidates based on defined parameters.
The final selection of awardees will be undertaken by the Corporate Centre in Mumbai, the bank said.
