Shri. B.G. Dandekar, a Doyen of
SBI Pensioners’ Fraternity When one speaks about Shri. B. G. alias Balasaheb Dandekar, he is automatically looked upon as a doyen of ‘SBI Pensioners’ Association, (Mumbai Circle)’ as well as ‘Federation of SBI Pensioners’ Associations’ working for the SBI Pensioners at the national level over two decades. He is most respected personality not only among the fraternity of SBI Pensioners in Mumbai Circle but also at the All India level. In true sense, he has been working hard as a torch holder for the SBI pensioners. He is popularly known as ‘Dada’ (means an elder brother). After seeking voluntary retirement in 1987 he immediately joined the SBI Pensioners’ Association, Mumbai Circle and flung himself in to the Associations’ work. He has recently completed 90 years of age and despite this, he has still been guiding the present Office Bearers of the Association with full dedication. In the recent past, whatever important decisions have been taken by the Bank in the interest of the Pensioners, resulting in to monetary and other benefits, Shri. Dandekar along with Shri. S. B. Gokhale has played a very crucial role. Whenever the Pensioners’ Association was successful while fighting for the cause of Pensioners, Shri. Dandekar had always a noteworthy share in their success. These facts are beyond doubt. Shri. Dandekar was born on the 16th November, 1928 in Jambhulpada village of Raigad District in Maharashtra. After passing SSC examination he served in a Government Department for two years and later on in 1951 joined Imperial Bank of India, as a typist. From 1955 to 1974 he was in Personnel Department of the Central Office 30
(now Corporate Centre) of the Bank. During this period, he was associated with the work of preparing agreements for Bipartite Settlements (including Desai Tribunal Work), wage revisions / negotiations, preparation of various statements, collection of various information and data etc. While performing all these jobs, he devotedly learned the minute details relating to all these issues and virtually earned the name in these matters. This benefited him to a great extent while working in the Association / Federation. He has worked on various posts in the Bank and in many branches in Mumbai Circle. During service, he was highly instrumental in establishing ‘Maharashtra Mandal’ in the LHO, Mumbai, on 14th October 1964. The ‘Maharashtra Mandal’ was inaugurated at the auspicious hands of late Shri. Pralhad Keshav Atre, a versatile personality in almost all the fields viz. all sorts of Literature, Education, Politics, Oratory, Film Production/Direction and what not. Late Shri. V. N. Nadkarni, Ex-Chairman of SBI and Late Shri. N. S. Kulkarni, ex-CGM and Ex- President of Federation of SBI Pensioners’ Association and SBI Pensioners’ Association (Mumbai Circle), were present for this programme. He was greatly instrumental in successfully completing not only in time but within the estimated cost, the first Housing Society of the ‘SBI Employees’ in the country. In May 1960, the Foundation stone of this Society was laid down by Shri. P. C. Bhattacharya, the then Chairman of SBI. He was also fortunate to inaugurate this Society on completion in May 1961. Second Innings | Apr.19 To Jun.19 & Jul.19 To Sep.19.
