CHENNAI, 13 July 2025: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) marked its 44th Foundation Day on Friday with a series of forward-looking initiatives aimed at deepening its outreach and catalysing rural transformation. The event, held in Chennai, brought together top policymakers, bankers, and development leaders to reflect on NABARD’s contributions and outline its future path.
Gracing the celebrations were M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Government of India; N. Muruganandam, Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu; and Shaji K.V., Chairman, NABARD. Deputy Managing Directors G.S. Rawat and A.K. Sood, along with senior officials from Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, and state governments, were also in attendance.
A panel discussion on “Fostering Rural Enterprises for Inclusive Growth” set the tone for the evening, focusing on entrepreneurship, grassroots innovation, and sustainable livelihoods.
Focus on Last-Mile Connectivity and Tech for Rural India
Chairman Shri Shaji K.V. outlined NABARD’s evolving role in a digitally empowered and climate-sensitive rural economy: “Our mission is to scale high-impact solutions, foster entrepreneurial ecosystems, and place sustainability at the heart of development.”
The event saw the inauguration of a NABARD sub-office in Leh, Ladakh—further extending the institution’s frontier outreach.
Among the technology-driven initiatives launched were:
- NABARD WhatsApp Channel for direct updates to farmers and FPOs
- Radio Jingle Campaign promoting financial inclusion on AIR and community radio
- GRIP (Graduated Rural Income Generation Programme) targeting ultra-poor households through returnable grants and support
- RuralTech CoLab, a digital portal for co-creation and scaling of rural innovations
- NIVARAN, a grievance redressal platform for Rural Cooperative Banks
Publications & Documentary Highlight Rural Impact
The event also featured the screening of "Green Roots", a short documentary chronicling NABARD’s efforts in climate resilience and sustainable farming.
New publications released included:
- “RIDF@30” – a commemorative report on 30 years of the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund
- “Grameen Bharat Mahotsav” – a coffee table book from the January 2025 rural fair
- “Beyond Numbers 2025” – NABARD’s annual impact narrative
Secretary M. Nagaraju applauded NABARD’s leadership, stating: “As India embraces digital and climate transitions, NABARD’s role in supporting resilient rural economies becomes even more critical.”
Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam added that NABARD’s interventions in Tamil Nadu have significantly improved rural livelihoods through support to SHGs, infrastructure, and finance.
With a renewed vision, NABARD’s Foundation Day served as a launchpad for inclusive innovations aimed at empowering rural India through finance, technology, and partnerships.
