State Bank of India has introduced an annual employee excellence award named SBI STAR (Staff Talent Acknowledgement & Recognition). This structured framework recognizes employees' achievements beyond their professional roles. The initiative celebrates talent in areas such as Arts, Literature, Games & Sports, Culture, Social Work, and environmental efforts. Chairman Challa Sreenivasulu Setty emphasized that employees deserve appreciation not only for professional excellence but also for personal accomplishments and societal contributions. The bank values its people in their entirety—as professionals, creators, and responsible citizens. SBI has over 2,45,000 employees, the largest workforce in India's banking and financial services sector. The award aims to promote holistic employee engagement, well-being, and organizational pride. Through SBI STAR, the bank seeks to foster a culture of recognition, motivation, and pride across its vast employee base.
Recognition Framework and Inspiring Employee Stories
SBI STAR follows a fair and transparent selection process. Employees can self-nominate, after which each Circle or Vertical evaluates and shortlists candidates based on defined parameters. The final selection occurs at the Corporate Centre in Mumbai. The bank has a rich tradition of employees demonstrating remarkable creativity. Examples include Pratiksha Tondwalkar, who advanced to AGM while pursuing personal aspirations, Sanvli, a visually impaired clerk inspiring her community, Tarachand Agarwal, a retired banker clearing the Chartered Accountancy exam at 71, and Illuri Ajay Kumar Reddy, a partially blind officer who led India's Blind Cricket Team to five World Cup victories and received the Arjuna Award. These stories highlight how talents extend beyond the workplace.
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