The gathering saw the esteemed presence of notable figures including H.E Mr. Simon Wong from the Singapore High Commission, Mr. Subhash Chandra, CEO of the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (National CAMPA), Dr. B Srinivas, Secretary of the National Medical Commission under the Ministry of Health, Mr. Vijay Kumar Singh, Member Finance of the Delhi Development Authority, Major General Sharad Kapur (Retd), Ex Director General of Resettlement, Adv. Priyadharshni Rahul, Chairman of the Sansad Ratna Awards Committee, and Ms. Sunita Mohanty, CIO at Invest India under the Ministry of Commerce. Rajat Verma, Managing Director and Head of Institutional Banking Group at DBS Bank India, commenced the event with his opening remarks.
The documentary, commissioned by the Tagore Society Singapore and sponsored by DBS Bank, sheds light on the pivotal role played by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose in leading the Azad Hind movement from Singapore. Crafted and directed by Lakshmi Raman Venkat of Gravitas Media, the documentary boasts engaging narration by renowned quiz master Siddhartha Basu.
Transporting viewers through the lens of a Singaporean history enthusiast narrating Netaji’s life to a curious visitor from India, the documentary offers a captivating journey. Seamlessly connecting historical landmarks significant to Netaji’s journey with the evolution of the Indian freedom movement, it paints a vivid picture.
Exploring the contributions of the Indian National Army (INA) and the noteworthy involvement of women, notably through the establishment of the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, the documentary also features a reenactment of Netaji’s ‘Great Escape’ in January 1941, filmed at Netaji Bhawan in Kolkata. Subhashini Ali, daughter of Dr. Lakshmi Sahgal (nee Swaminthan), one of Netaji’s closest aides in the INA, shares anecdotes about her mother’s role in the Rani of Jhansi Regiment.
Expressing their sentiments, Shoma Narayanan, Managing Director, and Head– Group Strategic Marketing & Communications at DBS Bank India, remarked, “We are privileged to be associated with a compelling documentary that encapsulates the nexus between India, Singapore, and the iconic figure of Subhas Chandra Bose. His indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment continue to inspire generations in both nations. Through our collaboration with the Tagore Society Singapore, we aimed to commemorate a historic period that transcended geographical boundaries. This partnership exemplifies our dedication to curating meaningful cultural experiences for our customers and communities, distinguishing us as a bank with a unique ethos.”
The production team from Gravitas Media, led by Lakshmi Raman Venkat and comprising Rajendra Nanoskar, Prakash Parmar, Santosh Mithbawkar, and Wilson Thomas, meticulously brought Netaji’s saga to life. Their painstaking efforts unearthed remarkable narratives from Netaji’s time in Singapore, enriching the documentary’s storytelling.
As the largest foreign bank in India by branch presence, DBS Bank India remains committed to crafting experiences that extend beyond conventional banking. Through strategic collaborations, the bank aims to engage a diverse audience and reinforce its brand ethos of ‘Live more, Bank less’.
About DBS
DBS is a prominent financial services group in Asia, operating across 19 markets. Based and publicly listed in Singapore, DBS strategically positions itself within the key growth hubs of Greater China, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. It holds esteemed credit ratings, boasting “AA-” and “Aa1”, among the highest globally. In 2024, CRISIL Ratings reaffirmed its ‘CRISIL AAA/Stable’ rating for DBS Bank India Ltd (DBIL), along with a reaffirmed ‘CRISIL A1+’ rating for its certificate of deposits programme.
Renowned for its global excellence, DBS has garnered prestigious titles such as “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, Euromoney’s “World’s Best Bank”, and The Banker’s “Global Bank of the Year”. Pioneering digital innovation in banking, DBS has been acclaimed as the “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and recognized as the “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. Additionally, it has consistently received the “Safest Bank in Asia” accolade from Global Finance for 15 consecutive years from 2009 to 2023. Emphasizing responsible banking, DBS was honored as the Best Bank for Sustainable Finance – India by Global Finance in 2024. It also secured a top position on Forbes’ list of the World’s Best Banks in India for three successive years, from 2020 to 2022.
Having established a presence in India for 29 years, DBS inaugurated its inaugural office in Mumbai in 1994. DBS Bank India Limited stands as the first major foreign bank in India to operate as a wholly owned, locally incorporated subsidiary of a leading global bank. Serving as a reliable partner, DBS offers a comprehensive range of banking services for large, medium, and small enterprises, as well as individual consumers in India. It prioritizes a seamless customer experience, facilitating customers to ‘Live more, Bank less’. Following the merger with Lakshmi Vilas Bank in November 2020, DBS Bank India now boasts a network of approximately 530 branches across 19 Indian states.
DBS is dedicated to fostering enduring relationships with customers, embodying the Asian approach to banking and comprehending the intricacies of conducting business in the region’s vibrant markets. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank extends its impact beyond banking by supporting socially impactful businesses, which prioritize both profit and social/environmental outcomes. Moreover, DBS Foundation contributes to society through initiatives such as equipping underserved communities with future-ready skills and enhancing food resilience.
