Central Bank of India Reaffirms Historic Parsi Legacy Amid Merger Concerns |

Updated: January 26, 2026 12:56

Image Source: Navakal

The Central Bank of India, founded in 1911 by Sir Sorabji Pochkhanawala and chaired initially by Sir Pherozeshah Mehta, has reaffirmed its deep ties with the Parsi community in Mumbai. As merger talks loom, community leaders like the Surat Parsi Panchayat have appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to safeguard the bank’s unique identity.

The Central Bank of India (CBI), headquartered in Mumbai, has reiterated its historic association with the Parsi community, which played a pivotal role in its establishment as India’s first Swadeshi bank wholly owned and managed by Indians. Founded on December 21, 1911, by visionary banker Sir Sorabji Pochkhanawala, with Sir Pherozeshah Mehta as its first Chairman, the bank remains a symbol of national pride and community contribution.

This reaffirmation comes at a critical juncture, as discussions around potential mergers of public-sector banks have raised concerns among Parsis about the dilution of CBI’s distinct identity. The Surat Parsi Panchayat, one of the oldest community institutions, has formally written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to prevent any merger that could erode the bank’s heritage.

Key Highlights

Founding Legacy: Established in 1911 in Mumbai by Sir Sorabji Pochkhanawala and Sir Pherozeshah Mehta, both stalwarts of the Parsi community.
Cultural Significance: Considered as much a Parsi institution as the Tata Group, reflecting the community’s contribution to India’s economic independence.
Community Engagement: Recent events saw CBI leadership engaging with Parsi members, highlighting growth momentum and reaffirming ties.
Merger Opposition: The Surat Parsi Panchayat has appealed directly to PM Modi, stressing that the bank’s identity must remain intact.
Leadership Statements: CBI officials emphasized that the bank is the “property of the nation and the country’s asset,” echoing Pochkhanawala’s original vision.
Financial Context: The bank has reported improved performance in late 2025, strengthening its case for independent continuity.

The reaffirmation underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage within India’s financial institutions, ensuring that historic contributions remain integral to their identity even as the sector evolves.

Sources: Parsi Khabar, Forever News, Free Press Journal

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