NABARD Celebrates 44th Foundation Day with Visionary Initiatives for Rural Transformation

14 July 2025, Mumbai: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) commemorated its 44th Foundation Day with a high-profile event held in Chennai, unveiling a series of forward-looking initiatives aimed at accelerating rural transformation and inclusive growth. The celebrations reaffirmed NABARD’s pivotal role in reshaping India’s rural development landscape through innovation, infrastructure, and financial inclusion.

The event was attended by distinguished dignitaries including Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS), Government of India; Shri N. Muruganandam, Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu; and Shri Shaji K.V., Chairman, NABARD. They were joined by NABARD Deputy Managing Directors Shri G.S. Rawat and Shri A.K. Sood, along with the Managing Directors of Indian Bank and Indian Overseas Bank, and senior officials from both central and state governments.

A thought-provoking panel discussion on “Fostering Rural Enterprises for Inclusive Growth” set the tone for the evening, emphasizing the role of rural entrepreneurship in driving innovation, employment, and equitable development. An accompanying exhibition showcased traditional crafts, agri-products, and rural innovations, capturing the entrepreneurial spirit of India’s villages.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Shaji K.V., Chairman, NABARD, said, “NABARD’s 44-year journey is a testament to our unwavering commitment to rural transformation. From facilitating access to finance and infrastructure to nurturing innovation and resilience, our work has touched millions of lives. As India accelerates toward inclusive growth, we are ready to lead through digital transformation, support to rural enterprises, and mission-led programmes that unlock grassroots potential.”

Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary, DFS, Government of India, lauded NABARD’s contributions, stating, “For over four decades, NABARD has been the cornerstone of India’s rural development strategy. Its initiatives echo the government’s vision of a future-ready, inclusive rural economy. In the face of climate change and digital disruption, NABARD’s role in fortifying rural institutions and livelihoods is more important than ever.”

Shri N. Muruganandam, Chief Secretary, Tamil Nadu, commended NABARD’s continued partnership in state development, noting, “NABARD’s support has been crucial in improving rural livelihoods and fostering self-reliant communities across Tamil Nadu. From empowering SHGs to building infrastructure, its efforts are deeply valued.”

Key Initiatives Launched:

The Foundation Day marked the rollout of several transformative initiatives:

• Leh Sub-Office Inauguration: NABARD’s new sub-office in Leh, Ladakh, will enhance outreach in frontier regions, supporting credit access, infrastructure development, and livelihood promotion in high-altitude areas.
• Official WhatsApp Channel: Designed to connect directly with rural stakeholders, this channel will provide timely market advisories, FPO updates, and product information.
• Radio Jingle Campaign for Financial Inclusion: Broadcast across All India Radio and community radio stations, this initiative aims to build awareness on savings, credit, insurance, and responsible banking.
• Graduated Rural Income Generation Programme (GRIP): A targeted livelihood model offering returnable grants and capacity-building support to help ultra-poor households transition into sustainable income-generating activities.
• RuralTech CoLab Portal: An open innovation platform enabling startups, research bodies, and developers to co-create and scale rural-focused technologies.
• NIVARAN – Grievance Redressal System for Rural Cooperative Banks: A digital platform providing round-the-clock access for complaint resolution, aimed at improving governance and service delivery in cooperative banking.

Launch of Documentary and Publications:

The event also featured the premiere of “Green Roots: NABARD’s Journey Towards Climate Resilience”, a compelling documentary capturing NABARD’s sustained efforts in promoting climate-smart agriculture and environmental stewardship.

Three key publications were released on the occasion:

• “RIDF@30: A Journey of Rural Transformation” – Celebrating 30 years of the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund and its impact on roads, irrigation, health, and education infrastructure.
• “Grameen Bharat Mahotsav” Coffee Table Book – A visual chronicle of the January 2025 event held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, highlighting rural India’s rich cultural and entrepreneurial spirit.
• “Beyond Numbers 2025” – An impact-focused narrative report presenting NABARD’s holistic achievements in credit, climate resilience, digital outreach, and institutional strengthening.

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