The State Bank of India’s Jabalpur Module has deepened its engagement with the Indian Army through a CSR initiative at Headquarters Madhya Bharat Area, with the focus placed on skill development, self-reliance, community welfare and physical fitness.
Under the programme, sewing machines were handed over to beneficiaries of the Army Skill Training Centre (ASTC). The support is intended to help them build vocational skills and work towards sustainable livelihoods, offering a practical route to economic independence.
SBI also announced financial backing for a major sporting event linked to the Army. The bank presented a sponsorship cheque of ₹40 lakh as the Title Sponsor for the fourth edition of the Surya Half Marathon 2026. The contribution was framed around promoting fitness, healthy lifestyles and community participation through an Army-associated initiative.
Lieutenant General Harbinder Singh Vandra, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Madhya Bharat Area, appreciated SBI’s continued support for community empowerment, fitness and nation-building. He acknowledged the bank’s role in strengthening cooperation with the Indian Army through efforts that serve both the military community and wider society.
The Surya Half Marathon is presented as a platform for physical fitness, endurance and sporting spirit. The upcoming fourth edition is expected to carry forward those aims while also reinforcing ties between the Armed Forces and the civilian community.
Together, the vocational assistance and the marathon sponsorship reflect a wider institutional partnership between SBI and the Indian Army. As described in the report, the collaboration is aimed at social welfare, community development and support for broader national progress.
