Bangalore has a rich tradition of co-operative societies and co-operative banking. Some of these co-operative institutions are ove a hundred years old started by the citizens of Bangalore of early 20th century, who had great faith in the co-operative principle. One such institution which has completed 90 years and is raring to complete its century is Sree Seetharama Mandiram Souharda Sahakari Ltd located at Ulsoorpete.

The Bank was established in 1917 under the leadership of Palyam Krishna Rao and other welfare oriented stalwarts of the time. The bank took birth with the aim of fulfilling the aspirations of the common man and his dreams of setting up a home, establishing a business or pursuing education.

The Bank began with a share capital of Rs 5,624 has now a share capital of Rs 48,87,000 in the ninetieth year of its operation. It has a deposit of a deposit of over Rs 15.58 crore, according to its board of directors.

Progressing slowly and steadily over the decades it acquired its own building in 1977, In 2000 it computerised its operations and transactions bringing in more tranparency to its members. It has nearly 800 members. under the scheme of “Sri Rama Nivas” it has fulfilled the dreams of many a beneficiaries of owning a house. The bank has also established a medical welfare fund for the benefit of its members.

One of its unique programme is the annual Prathibha puraskar award which recognises the members’ children who have score more than 80 per cent in SSLC and PUC examinations and felicitates them. This year on the occasion of its 90th anniversary as many as 30 students were felicitated. Another distinctive feature of this co-operative is that it gives a rebate on interest to those members who repay their loans promptly.