Roy Bank & Conversation with Mother Chapter 3

As the end of June approached, the Roy Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (RIPSR) was abuzz with activity. Almost all the admission processes were complete, and anticipation filled the air as the new academic session was set to commence in July. Vijay Roy, the visionary founder of RIPSR, was busy laying the groundwork for the institute's future growth and sustainability.

Reflecting on the tumultuous times that followed the subprime crisis of 2008, Vijay recognized the importance of ensuring a smooth flow of funds for RIPSR's operations. With this in mind, he devised a strategic plan to purchase a bank, a move that would not only provide financial stability but also pave the way for future expansion.

Turning to the pharmacy system, Vijay enlisted the expertise of Sanju Patel, a top-class banking management professional who had recently resigned from Citibank in America. Sanju's wealth of experience and strategic acumen made him the perfect candidate to lead this endeavor.

Vijay instructed Sanju to find a suitable bank for acquisition, one that would complement RIPSR's goals and values. After two days of intense research and negotiations, Sanju identified a promising opportunity—a bank with a banking license issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), available for purchase at $7 million USD.

In Vijay's view, this was an excellent deal with significant potential for the future. Without hesitation, he gave Sanju the green light to proceed with the acquisition, confident in his ability to reorganize and revitalize the bank to align with RIPSR's vision and objectives.

With the acquisition finalized, Vijay wasted no time in implementing sweeping changes to the newly acquired bank. Drawing inspiration from his father's legacy of philanthropy and generosity, he envisioned a financial institution that would not only serve as a source of stability for RIPSR but also contribute to the greater good of society.

Under Vijay's leadership, the bank underwent a transformation, emerging as the Roy Bank—a beacon of integrity, innovation, and social responsibility. Its mission was clear: to provide accessible and affordable financial services to individuals and businesses alike, while also supporting initiatives that aimed to uplift communities and empower individuals.

One of Vijay's primary goals was to ensure that every student admitted to RIPSR had the opportunity to pursue their education without financial barriers. To achieve this, he set the course fee for the B. Pharm program at a minimal 210,000 rupees, making it affordable for students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

Additionally, Vijay established the Bikas Roy Scholarship in honor of his late father, a testament to his enduring legacy and commitment to education. The scholarship aimed to provide financial assistance to deserving students who faced challenges in meeting the course and hostel fees. Through the scholarship program, Vijay hoped to ensure that no student was denied the opportunity to pursue their dreams due to financial constraints.

As the new academic session approached, Vijay felt a sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that RIPSR was not only poised for success but also committed to making a meaningful impact on the lives of its students and the broader community. With the Roy Bank by its side, RIPSR was well-positioned to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead, continuing its journey towards excellence and innovation in pharmaceutical education and research.

After a long day of work at the Roy Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (RIPSR), Vijay returned home to his modest apartment, the clock striking 8 PM. As he stepped through the door, he was greeted by the comforting aroma of home-cooked food and the familiar sight of his mother, Puja, seated in front of the television, watching the evening news.

Puja's eyes lit up as she saw her son enter, and she quickly turned off the TV, making her way to the kitchen to prepare dinner for him. Meanwhile, Vijay headed to the bathroom to freshen up after a tiring day.

When Vijay emerged from the bathroom, the table was already set with steaming dishes of his favorite dishes. As he took his seat, Puja looked at him with concern etched on her face. "Is everything okay at the university, beta?" she asked, her voice filled with motherly concern.

Vijay nodded reassuringly. "Yes, everything is fine, Ma," he replied, reaching for a serving of dal. "We're making great progress, and everything is running smoothly."

As they ate, Vijay's mind wandered, and a sudden idea struck him like a bolt of lightning. He paused mid-bite, looking at his mother with newfound excitement. "Ma, I've been thinking," he began, "with the cafeteria at the hostel becoming operational soon, I've realized that I need someone I can trust to oversee it. Someone who cares deeply about the students' health and well-being."

Puja listened intently, her brow furrowing in thought. "But beta, I don't know the first thing about running a cafeteria," she protested, concern evident in her voice.

Vijay reached out and gently took her hand. "I know, Ma, but I trust you more than anyone else. You've always put our family's well-being above everything else, and I know you'll do the same for the students at RIPSR. Besides, I'll provide you with all the support and resources you need to make it a success."

Puja hesitated, uncertainty clouding her features. But as she looked into her son's earnest eyes, she saw the conviction and trust shining through. Slowly, a smile spread across her face, and she nodded in agreement. "Alright, beta," she said, her voice filled with determination. "If you believe in me, then I'll give it my best shot."

Vijay couldn't contain his joy at his mother's decision. He reached across the table and enveloped her in a tight embrace. "Thank you, Ma," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "You've always been my rock, and I couldn't do this without you."

With Puja on board to oversee the cafeteria, Vijay felt a weight lift off his shoulders. He knew that with her at the helm, the students at RIPSR would be in good hands, and he could focus on other aspects of running the institute.

As they finished their meal, Vijay and Puja began to discuss plans for the cafeteria. They talked about menu options, sourcing ingredients, and ensuring that the kitchen met all the necessary hygiene and safety standards. Vijay assured his mother that he would hire a professional chef to assist her and provide any additional training she needed.

By the time dinner was over, both Vijay and Puja were filled with a sense of excitement and anticipation. Together, they had embarked on a new adventure, one that would not only benefit the students of RIPSR but also strengthen their bond as mother and son.

After bidding his mother goodnight, Vijay retired to his bedroom, feeling a sense of satisfaction and contentment wash over him. As he settled into bed, ready to drift off into a peaceful slumber, his phone rang, interrupting the tranquility of the night.

With a sigh, Vijay reached over and answered the call, expecting it to be another work-related matter requiring his attention. To his surprise, it was Sanju, the newly appointed banking management expert Vijay had tasked with overseeing the acquisition of Roy Bank.

"Hello, Sanju," Vijay greeted, his voice laced with curiosity. "What's the update?"

Sanju's voice came through the phone, crisp and clear. "Good evening, sir," he began. "I'm pleased to inform you that all the processes for the acquisition of the bank have been completed. We're just waiting for the final approvals, and then we can proceed with the transition. Additionally, I've made arrangements to ensure that all outstanding loans are repaid within the next 5 to 10 days."

A smile tugged at the corners of Vijay's lips as he listened to Sanju's update. "Excellent work, Sanju," he praised. "I knew I could count on you to handle this matter efficiently. Once everything is finalized, the bank will be in good hands."

Sanju expressed his gratitude for Vijay's confidence in him, his voice tinged with pride. "Thank you, sir," he replied. "It's been a pleasure working on this project with you. I'll make sure everything is taken care of smoothly."

Vijay nodded, his mind already racing with new ideas and plans for the future of the bank. "Speaking of which, Sanju," he began, "I've been thinking about the security measures for the bank's website. I've found 20 highly skilled security engineers who specialize in cybersecurity. They'll ensure that our website is impenetrable and safeguard our customers' data."

Sanju was impressed by Vijay's foresight and proactive approach. "That sounds like an excellent plan, sir," he remarked. "With cyber threats on the rise, it's crucial to prioritize the security of our digital infrastructure. I'll coordinate with the engineers to implement the necessary measures as soon as possible."

Encouraged by Sanju's enthusiasm, Vijay continued to share his vision for the future of Roy Bank. "Furthermore, I've been researching a revolutionary payment system called UPI (Unified Payments Interface), which is set to revolutionize banking in India. I believe integrating UPI into our operations could facilitate seamless transactions for our customers and drive growth for the bank."

Sanju listened attentively, his mind already racing with possibilities. "That's a brilliant idea, sir," he exclaimed. "UPI has the potential to transform the way we conduct financial transactions and streamline our operations. I'll start exploring the feasibility of implementing UPI into our systems right away."

Impressed by Sanju's enthusiasm and dedication, Vijay made a spur-of-the-moment decision. "Sanju, I've decided to appoint you as the General Manager of Roy Bank," he announced. "Your exceptional leadership skills and strategic vision make you the perfect candidate for the role. Congratulations."

There was a moment of stunned silence on the other end of the line, followed by Sanju's heartfelt gratitude. "Thank you so much, sir," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "I'm honored by your trust and confidence in me. I'll do everything in my power to ensure the success of Roy Bank."

With the conversation drawing to a close, Vijay and Sanju exchanged pleasantries and bid each other goodnight. As Vijay settled back into bed, a sense of anticipation and excitement filled his heart. With Sanju at the helm, he knew that Roy Bank was in capable hands, poised to embark on a new chapter of growth and prosperity. And as sleep finally claimed him, Vijay drifted off with a smile on his face, eager to see what the future held for both the bank and RIPSR.