“My roots trace back to Gudivada in Krishna District, where my grandmother planted the seeds of my future. She had a dream for me, and she voiced it with unwavering conviction: “Banky.” That one word became my family’s mantra. A bank job, especially at the State Bank of India (SBI), was the ultimate symbol of stability and prestige. My mother echoed the same wish, though my own heart initially leaned toward civil engineering. But life, as always, had its own plans.

We were a family of six—my parents and four children. I was the second among them and the eldest son. My father worked in the Post and Telegraphs Department, a job that often required transfers. Guntur, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Hyderabad—each city meant a new beginning, each school a fresh set of faces. While I dreamed of engineering, financial security took precedence. And so, I chose a path that promised stability.

I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Electronics from Osmania University (1980-83). The shift wasn’t easy, but necessity is a powerful motivator. In 1985, with no formal coaching—just sheer discipline and relentless practice—I cracked the SBI Probationary Officer (PO) exam. The moment I cleared it, my family erupted with joy. I was the first in our circle to achieve this, and for my grandmother, it was the fulfilment of a prophecy.

My first posting took me to Machilipatnam, then Kakinada. But the real test of my career came in Uppalapadu, a remote village with fewer than 10,000 people.

As a field officer, I wasn’t just processing loans; I was changing lives. I helped farmers buy buffaloes, shepherds invest in sheep, and aspiring entrepreneurs start piggeries. I still remember the gratitude in their eyes. That was my first lesson in finance beyond numbers: money, when placed in the right hands, is not just currency—it’s opportunity.

I got married in 1987, and by 1990, I was a father. Balancing work and family wasn’t easy, so I opted for a transfer back to Hyderabad, seeking the one thing we all ultimately crave—stability.

In 1993, I made my first major investment—an apartment in Ameerpet. Later, I borrowed ₹1 lakh from our staff cooperative society and took a leap into the stock market. IPO subscriptions, made in both my name and my wife’s, turned that capital into a fortune and funded our first real estate purchase. Personally, I have always believed that owning a home should be a priority before indulging in luxury purchases like a car.

Meanwhile, my wife, a BSc Genetics graduate, pursued an MCA after marriage. I helped her with the math, but she owned the journey. By 1998, she had launched a thriving software career. We made a pact—I would handle expenses, and she would save. That simple discipline became the foundation of our financial success.

We raised two daughters with the same philosophy—opportunities, not limitations. They studied at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s, then Sri Chaitanya College, and later graduated from VIT, Vellore. Both went on to pursue MS degrees in the USA. Today, one works at JP Morgan as a Data Scientist, while the other guides startups with her McKinsey experience. Both are happily married and settled in the USA.

Over time, I became known for my emphasis on education loans, often going out of my way to help students pursue higher studies. Finance should never be a barrier to brilliance. I strongly believe that the right financial support at the right time can change lives, and I have always tried to do my part in making that happen.

I went on to serve in SBI for 35 years, working across different departments and locations. The journey was more than just a job—it was a chance to make a difference in people’s lives, whether it was helping a farmer secure a loan or guiding a young officer in making sound financial decisions.

Helping has become a habit for me. I derive immense pleasure from it and consider it a God-given opportunity. Even after retirement, I continue advising young investors to focus on fundamentals—whether it’s stocks, real estate, or any asset, patience and discipline always win over shortcuts. Financial security isn’t just about earning; it’s about making smart choices and letting money work for you.

Recently, I was honoured at the Telugu Ugadi Business Influencers Awards, a reminder that experience is valuable even beyond the workplace. At home, I spend my free time with family, playing chess, singing to karaoke, and dancing to film songs at functions. Retirement isn’t about slowing down—it’s just a different phase where you put experience to use while enjoying what you’ve built.”

— Nanduri Ravi Kumar, Investment Advisor, Retired Banker with SBI