Kohima, December 12 (MExN): Bank of Baroda partnered with the Government of Nagaland as an associate for the Hornbill Festival 2025, which was held from December 1 to 10 at Kisama Heritage Village near Kohima.
The bank’s engagement stall at the festival was inaugurated by Nagaland Higher Education & Tourism Minister, Temjen Imna Along. The inauguration was attended by Bank of Baroda’s Managing Director & CEO, Dr Debadatta Chand, Executive Director Beena Vaheed, and Zonal Head for North Eastern States, Shiba Pada Nayak. Senior officials from the state's Tourism Department were also present, stated a press release.
The stall provided product information, digital banking demonstrations, and facilitated direct interactions with artisans, entrepreneurs, tourists, and community groups. This initiative aligns with the government's objectives of promoting financial literacy, digital payments, entrepreneurship, and expanding formal financial access in the state.
On the sidelines of the festival, Dr Chand and Vaheed met with Jyotiraditya M Scindia, Union Minister for Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region (DoNER). They discussed ways to enhance the bank's role in the region through improved financial inclusion measures.
The Nagaland State Government invited Dr Chand and Vaheed as State Guests and felicitating them on the sixth day of the festival.
Speaking on the partnership, Dr Debadatta Chand said, “Bank of Baroda’s partnership for the Hornbill Festival 2025 reflects our strategic focus on advancing credit flow, deepening financial inclusion, accelerating branch expansion, and fostering sustainable socio-economic growth in Nagaland and North East India.”
Beena Vaheed stated, “Hornbill Festival is not just a cultural platform but an opportunity for Bank of Baroda to reaffirm our dedication to serving the people of this state and the region and make banking more accessible, inclusive and development-focused.”
During their visit, the senior bank officials also paid a courtesy call to Sentiyanger Imchen, IAS, Chief Secretary of Nagaland. Discussions centred on expanding financial inclusion, accelerating credit to priority sectors, and supporting youth-led ventures, artisans, self-help groups, and local entrepreneurs.
Bank of Baroda has significantly strengthened its presence in North East India, operating through 3 Regional Offices and 197 branches, with 61 per cent of these branches located in rural and semi-urban areas. The bank recently inaugurated a new Zonal Office in Guwahati to oversee operations across all North Eastern States, aiming to boost administrative efficiency and support its expansion strategy.
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