Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh reinforced its emergence as one of India’s fastest-growing economic frontiers as a high-powered gathering of banking heads, industry leaders, policymakers, and financial experts came together for the Banking Leadership Summit and Awards 2025, organised by the Indian Investors Federation at Hotel Taj, Gomti Nagar. The conclave, now in its 10th edition, evolved into a dynamic platform to map the next phase of Uttar Pradesh’s economic acceleration, bringing together perspectives on MSME empowerment, digital banking reforms, investment inflow, industrial expansion and the state’s rapidly transforming financial ecosystem.

From senior bureaucrats and top bankers to academicians, corporates, angel investors and entrepreneurs, the event showcased Lucknow’s rising importance as a national policy dialogue hub—reflecting the city’s growing stature in India’s financial and industrial map.

A High-Impact Conclave Begins with Vision, Collaboration and Strategic Dialogue

The day-long event commenced with a vibrant registration-cum-networking session, offering an opportunity for delegates from various sectors to interact and set the tone for collaborative dialogue. The formal proceedings opened with the National Anthem, followed by the screening of a thematic film narrating Uttar Pradesh’s economic transformation—highlighting the state’s expressways, logistics parks, industrial corridors, data centres and emerging global investment zones.

The atmosphere reflected renewed confidence in the state’s economic trajectory, driven by rapid policy reforms, strengthened governance systems and rising investor trust under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Ajay Thakur Sets the Agenda: SME Capital, Market Growth and UP’s Economic Momentum

Ajay Thakur, CEO and Managing Partner of TGI SME Capital, Mumbai, inaugurated the conclave with an insightful address on the expanding opportunities in SME finance. A veteran in SME markets, Thakur emphasised that Uttar Pradesh’s emergence as an MSME powerhouse is accelerating India’s capital market ecosystem.

He noted that under the Yogi Adityanath government, UP has witnessed significant growth in employment, capital mobilisation and market literacy among entrepreneurs. Highlighting UP’s 8.2 percent GDP growth and the listing of 12 SMEs, he said the numbers reflect strong market readiness and increasing investor confidence.

Thakur reiterated that UP’s infrastructure push, industrial reforms, and expanding export capabilities have positioned it as one of the most promising investment destinations in the country. He urged entrepreneurs to leverage capital markets to amplify growth and scale operations for global competitiveness.

Banking Leaders Present Sector Strategies to Power Industrial Expansion

The opening technical sessions featured presentations from leading banking experts who outlined new strategies to support UP’s industrial ambitions.

Canara Bank’s Commitment to UP’s $1 Trillion Economic Goal

Ajit Kumar Mishra of Canara Bank spoke extensively on the institution’s alignment with UP’s mission to become a $1 trillion economy by 2030. Mishra highlighted that every tier of the bank—from branch to zonal offices—is mobilised to support economic expansion.

He said Canara Bank is providing financing for expressway projects, ethanol production, tourism infrastructure, food processing, renewable energy and the state’s flagship ODOP (One District One Product) programme. He also mentioned the bank’s involvement in schemes such as the CM Yuva Yojana, Muft Bijli Yojana and PM Svanidhi Yojana.

Mishra underlined that 20 percent of UP’s 96 lakh MSME units are integrated with the banking network, demonstrating the sector’s scale and the need for continuous digitisation and transparency.

Corporate Perspective: Radico Khaitan on UP’s Rising Purchasing Power

Saket from Radico Khaitan focused on the significance of e-governance in enhancing ease of doing business. He pointed out that UP’s per capita income is now growing faster than GDP, signalling stronger household purchasing power, rising consumption and expanding industrial opportunities.

Central Bank of India on Strengthening Credit Delivery

Ajay Khanna of Central Bank of India highlighted government-bank collaboration in schemes such as CM Yuva Yojana and MSME support initiatives. He cited examples of streamlined processes including rental automation, GST-linked financing and long-term RBLR loans of ₹100 crore with 20-year repayment periods.

Bank of India Emphasises MSME Backbone

Amrendra Kumar, GM of Bank of India, reiterated that UP’s improving law and order situation, infrastructure growth and business-friendly environment make it a magnet for industrial expansion. He described MSMEs as the “backbone of economic growth”, advocating for simplified credit mechanisms and stronger supply-chain financing.

Academic and Agricultural Voices Highlight Innovation and Rural Transformation

The conclave also included discussions on rural entrepreneurship and agro-industrial development.

Dr. Shalini Singh on Agriculture, Academia and Exports

Dr. Shalini Singh presented insights on university-led interventions, export linkages and financial inclusion in agriculture. She detailed NABARD-supported programmes in Sitapur, Barabanki and Bahraich that train banana farmers in scientific techniques, enhancing farm productivity and opening avenues for food processing.

She called for simplified MSME documentation and highlighted the enthusiasm among university students to work on startups focused on rural innovation, food technology and farm-based enterprises.

Sudhanshu Rastogi on Youth-Led Entrepreneurship

Angel investor Sudhanshu Rastogi emphasised the role of young entrepreneurs in shaping the next decade of growth. He explained how SME IPOs are transforming capital access for small businesses, enabling rapid scaling. He observed that Tier-2 cities like Lucknow and Kanpur are witnessing strong networks of mentors, investors and innovators.

Keynote by Indian Bank Executive Director: Banking Reforms to Propel Industrialisation

The guest keynote address by Brajesh Kumar Singh, Executive Director of Indian Bank, laid out the roadmap for modernising credit access and institutional support for emerging industries. Singh emphasised the need to strengthen digital lending, improve risk assessment models and enhance responsiveness to new-age sectors such as logistics, data centres, EV manufacturing and renewable energy.

He said public sector banks would continue to play a central role in supporting industrialisation, especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities where the next wave of micro-manufacturing and service enterprises is emerging.

Minister Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’ Presents UP’s Industrial Vision and Praises Banking Sector

As the Chief Guest, Industry Minister Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’ delivered a compelling keynote, outlining Uttar Pradesh’s economic milestones, industrial reforms and future growth blueprint.

Finance as the Foundation of Development

Minister Nandi underscored the fundamental role of finance in the development cycle. He said banks act as the “central pillars of financial empowerment,” driving capital flow, enabling industrial growth and ensuring economic stability.

“Banks are not merely institutions of capital movement—they are gateways to holistic development. Strong and well-capitalised banks are essential to support India’s growth ambitions,” he said.

India’s Rise as the 4th Largest Economy

The Minister drew attention to India’s emergence as the world’s 4th largest economy, crediting the banking sector for consistent support through reforms, credit access, digital advancements and financial inclusion.

He urged banks to contribute actively to the realisation of the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision laid out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

UP’s Economic Transformation in 8 Years

Reflecting on the transformation of Uttar Pradesh over the past eight years, Nandi noted that the double-engine government has enacted sweeping structural reforms, from law and order improvements to infrastructure upgrades, global investor facilitation and industrial incentives.

He acknowledged the critical role of banks in financing mega projects, industrial zones, logistics corridors and employment-generating enterprises.

Strategic Themes: Growth, Challenges and New Financial Opportunities

The summit’s discussions centred on the future of Indian banking, touching on customer service innovation, technological evolution, credit modernisation and financial inclusion.

The Minister expressed confidence that such platforms would serve as catalysts for better service delivery, strong digital adoption and improved financial mechanisms across the state.

Spotlight on UP’s Industrial Growth Roadmap

Minister Nandi also delineated the state’s future industrial agenda, focusing on export-oriented growth, NRI investment opportunities, high-technology manufacturing, logistics excellence and world-class manufacturing zones.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a high-efficiency industrial ecosystem aligned with global benchmarks, supported by investor-friendly policies and a stable administrative environment.

Awards Ceremony: Recognising India’s Best in Banking, Industry and Enterprise

The grand highlight of the evening was the Awards Ceremony honouring excellence across banking, entrepreneurship, industry, education and digital innovation. The awards acknowledged institutions and individuals that have significantly supported Uttar Pradesh’s development momentum.

All awardees—banks, corporates, entrepreneurs and officers—were recognised for outstanding contributions to credit outreach, rural empowerment, industrial financing, customer service and digital excellence.

Key Awardees Included:

Industry & Corporate Excellence

• Adani Group, Radico Group, Amul, Mansingh Goyal Group, Navbharat Defence System, AGR Automobiles, RD Enterprises, Tulip Eye Care, Skyline, Jute for Life, Crown Plaza, Madhurima Group, SMS, Rishita, Universal Booksellers, Buddha Rice, Gaurav Lath, Nikhil Agarwal, Anushree

Banking Achievers

1. Retail Banking

• Canara Bank

2. Best CD Ratio

• Bank of India

3. Leaders in Housing Loans

• State Bank of India (SBI)
• Indian Bank
• Central Bank of India

4. Education Sector

• Canara Bank
• State Bank of India
• Union Bank of India

5. Renewable Energy

• Bank of Baroda
• Canara Bank
• Punjab National Bank

6. MSME Performance

• Bank of Baroda
• State Bank of India
• Central Bank of India

7. SME Category

• Punjab National Bank

8. Digital Banking Innovation & Market Share

• State Bank of India
• Indian Bank

9. Excellence in Customer Service

• Indian Bank

0. Best Women Branch

• Central Bank of India, Gomti Nagar
• UCO Bank, Jankipuram
• SBI PPP, Gomti Nagar
• Indian Bank CMS

11. Top in Agri Infra

• Bank of India
• Union Bank of India
• UCO Bank

12. PM-FME (Government Sponsored Scheme)

• Union Bank of India
• State Bank of India
• Bank of India

13. Mukhyamantri Yuva Swarojgar Yojana

• Bank of India
• Indian Bank
• Punjab National Bank

14. PM Mudra Yojana

• Bank of Maharashtra
• Indian Bank
• State Bank of India

15. PM Employment Generation Programme

• Bank of Baroda
• Bank of India
• Union Bank of India

Special Individual Awards

16. AGM of the Year

• Rajiv Singh
• Amit Goyal
• Manish Kumar

17. DGM of the Year

• Ashutosh Singh
• Pradeep Kumar R

18. GM of the Year

• Amrendra Kumar — Bank of India
• Ajit Kumar Mishra — Canara Bank
• Shailendra Kumar Singh — Bank of Baroda

19. CGM of the Year

• Dipak Kumar De — SBI
• Sudhir Kumar Gupta — Indian Bank

20. Overall Growth Award

• AK. Khanna — Central Bank of India

21. Executive of the Year

• Brajesh Kumar Singh — Indian Bank

Institutional Recognitions

22. Non-Lead Bank of the Year

• UCO Bank
• Bank of Maharashtra
• Indian Overseas Bank

23. Lead Bank of the Year

• Canara Bank
• Bank of Baroda
• State Bank of India

24. Best Performer — ODOP

• Bank of Baroda
• Indian Bank

25. Best Infra

• Canara Bank

26. Best Upcoming Bank

• Canara Bank

27. Best Marketing Strategy

• Canara Bank

28. Best Services in Maha Kumbh

• Indian Bank

Employee Excellence Awards

29. Employee of the Year

• Vandana Verma — State Bank of India

30. Female Employee of the Year

• Praveen Srivastava — State Bank of India
  (Note: Input mentions “male” next to his name; clarifying if needed.)

31. Best Branch (Uttar Pradesh)

• State Bank of India
• Bank of Baroda
• Canara Bank

Leadership and Coordination by Indian Investors Federation

The event was steered by a distinguished organising committee comprising Dr. Shalini Singh, Sharad Singh, Ajay Thakur, K. P. Singh, Sharad Shrivastava, Mukesh Kumar, Chander Prakash, Dr. Nilanjan Mukherji, Sudhanshu Rastogi, Dr. Shubh Mahrotra, Rajiv Kumar Gupta, Ashutosh Singh, Indian Investor Federation, UP State Council Vice-President Sangeeta Shrivastava and IIF President R. K. Sharan.

In his welcome remarks, R. K. Sharan highlighted India’s trajectory toward becoming a global economic leader and lauded Uttar Pradesh’s shift toward a digital-first governance model.

A Transformative Platform for Uttar Pradesh’s Economic Leap

The conclave ultimately emerged as a strategic platform bringing together banks, industry, academia and government bodies under one agenda: accelerating Uttar Pradesh’s economic transformation. It encouraged synergy between stakeholders, strengthened MSME capacities, modernised financial mechanisms and reinforced trust in UP’s industrial policies.

As Uttar Pradesh steps into a decisive decade of growth, the Banking Leadership Summit and Awards 2025 cemented Lucknow’s position as a premier national centre for policy dialogue, financial reform and industrial vision—marking yet another milestone in the state’s journey toward long-term prosperity and global economic relevance.

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