At Kumbh, Ram Naam Bank goes digital

Embarking on a digital journey during the ongoing Kumbh, the 'Ram Naam Bank', where devotees deposit booklets after writing the name of Lord Ram, has now made its presence on the digital platform.

The uniqueness of the bank lies in the fact that it is a bank with neither ATMs, nor cheque books; its only 'currency' is Lord Ram.

Ashutosh Varshney, who manages the bank's affairs, is carrying on the legacy of his grandfather who had set up the organisation in early 20th century.

"This bank was started by my grandfather, Ishwar Chandra, who was a businessman. Now, there are over one lakh account holders from different age groups and religions," said Ashutosh Varshney, who has set up his camp at Sector 6 of the Kumbh Mela.

"It runs under a social organisation, Ram Naam Sewa Sansthan, and has witnessed at least nine Kumbhs," he told PTI on Sunday.

The bank has no monetary transactions. Its members have a booklet of 30 pages, containing 108 columns in which they write 'Ram Naam' 108 times ...