A sneak peak into the life of PNB CEO Sunil Mehta
ET Bureau|
Updated: Oct 04, 2017, 12.57 AM IST
Why you chose to be a banker?
Having a motorcycle was a big thing those days and I knew that if I join a bank as an agriculture officer, on day one I will get a motorcycle. It was compulsory to buy a motorcycle in six months and acquire a driving licence.
First bike
The first bike I rode was a Bullet. But the first bike I purchased was a Yezdi.
First day at job
I was late for work at Allahabad Bank in Ajmer thanks to traffic jam. I was worried but colleagues were warm. When I said I would start the next day, they said, ‘no-no, you can join today itself.’ Know why? They were short of manpower.
Childhood memories
Grew up in a small place called Sambhar, which produces salt. Locomotive engines were used to transport salt. Since my father was working there, I managed to get many chances to drive engines there.
Day to remember?
As a child we went to Gulmarg. We were very excited to see the snow for the first time. I went in a sledge down the slope but lost control and suddenly a local saved me from a free fall to be alive today.
Hobby
Driving cars and motorcycles. I have driven bikes, locomotive engine, bullock cart, truck, tractor. Never miss an opportunity. I started at 13 when I didn’t even have a licence. Drove a Fiat for 1,000 kilometres in a day from Jaipur to Jabalpur in 19 hours.
Favourite Book
‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ by Swamy Paramahansa Yogananda, which is about spiritual life. In youth, chose Sidney Sheldon, who portrayed female characters can overcome problems with ease. That led to a belief that females can do wonders if given equal opportunities.
Lesson from a teacher
Getting slapped by my teacher Devendra Bhatnagar in front of everyone, when conversation with a classmate during exams was mistaken for exchanging answers. The lesson—what you are doing is not important, but how it is perceived.
How do you unwind
Spending time with my friends. All of them are outside the banking sector, if you unwind with banking friends, it will be a rewind.
Having a motorcycle was a big thing those days and I knew that if I join a bank as an agriculture officer, on day one I will get a motorcycle. It was compulsory to buy a motorcycle in six months and acquire a driving licence.
First bike
The first bike I rode was a Bullet. But the first bike I purchased was a Yezdi.
First day at job
I was late for work at Allahabad Bank in Ajmer thanks to traffic jam. I was worried but colleagues were warm. When I said I would start the next day, they said, ‘no-no, you can join today itself.’ Know why? They were short of manpower.
Childhood memories
Grew up in a small place called Sambhar, which produces salt. Locomotive engines were used to transport salt. Since my father was working there, I managed to get many chances to drive engines there.
Day to remember?
As a child we went to Gulmarg. We were very excited to see the snow for the first time. I went in a sledge down the slope but lost control and suddenly a local saved me from a free fall to be alive today.
Hobby
Driving cars and motorcycles. I have driven bikes, locomotive engine, bullock cart, truck, tractor. Never miss an opportunity. I started at 13 when I didn’t even have a licence. Drove a Fiat for 1,000 kilometres in a day from Jaipur to Jabalpur in 19 hours.
Favourite Book
‘Autobiography of a Yogi’ by Swamy Paramahansa Yogananda, which is about spiritual life. In youth, chose Sidney Sheldon, who portrayed female characters can overcome problems with ease. That led to a belief that females can do wonders if given equal opportunities.
Lesson from a teacher
Getting slapped by my teacher Devendra Bhatnagar in front of everyone, when conversation with a classmate during exams was mistaken for exchanging answers. The lesson—what you are doing is not important, but how it is perceived.
How do you unwind
Spending time with my friends. All of them are outside the banking sector, if you unwind with banking friends, it will be a rewind.
