05 February, 2026 – New Delhi : Gurmit Singh, retired Chief Manager, Punjab & Sind Bank, and founding member of the Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle, released an authoritative work documenting the economic, ethical and institutional contributions of Sikhs to the banking sector in the national capital on Wednesday.
His book, “Sikhs in Banking: The Legacy of Trust, Excellence and Economic Impact in India and Beyond”, compiles in a single volume a comprehensive account of how Sikhs have shaped banking in India and across the world, not just as professionals, but as value-driven leaders guided by faith, ethics and public service. The book was launched in the presence of former MP Tarlochan Singh, Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney and senior diplomat Manjeev Singh Puri. Published by the Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle, the 338-page illustrated work is described not merely as a historical record but as a civilisational narrative that connects Sikh spiritual philosophy with economic development, institutional integrity and social responsibility.
Dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the book frames banking as a social enterprise rather than a purely profit-driven activity. The author argues that Sikh economic thought integrates spirituality with professional life, placing honesty, justice and collective welfare at the centre of financial practice. The opening chapters draw heavily from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, highlighting core Sikh principles such as Kirat Karni (honest earning), Vand Chakna (sharing with others) and Sewa (selfless service).
The book traces Sikh engagement with economic governance back to figures like Baba Banda Singh Bahadur and Maharaja Ranjit Singh, showing that disciplined financial management and social justice have long been part of Sikh statecraft. References to Nanakshahi and Gobindshahi coinage further underline the community’s early economic consciousness.
A major focus of the book is Punjab & Sind Bank, described as the “cradle of Sikh bankers”. Founded in 1908 following deliberations at Sri Darbar Sahib and a resolution of the Chief Khalsa Diwan, the bank is presented as a symbol of Sikh economic self-reliance. The author details its evolution through pre-Independence, post-Partition rehabilitation, expansion and nationalisation. Particular emphasis is placed on the leadership of Dr Inderjit Singh (1960–1982), credited with expanding rural banking, promoting financial inclusion and integrating professional growth with community service.
The book also examines present-day Sikh financial institutions, noting the absence of a large independent Sikh-led bank after nationalisation, while raising questions about the need for a globally relevant, values-based Sikh financial institution.
Another significant section profiles around 40 eminent Sikh bankers from India and abroad, highlighting their leadership, integrity and public service. The last few chapters document Sikh bankers’ contributions to education, healthcare, disaster relief and gurudwara management, reinforcing the ideal that professional success must be accompanied by social responsibility. The book concludes with reflections from scholars and professionals on ethical banking and the future of value-driven finance.
The Tribune