The unique 'Ram Naam Bank' at Kumbh Mela 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 checkbooks; its only "currency" is Lord Ram. Here are the details.
The bank had been set up in early 20th century
Ashutosh Varshney, who manages the bank's affairs, is carrying on the legacy of his grandfather who had set up the organization in the 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, who has set up his camp at Kumbh Mela.
Members get a booklet of 30 pages containing 108 columns
Varshney said that the bank, which runs under a social organization Ram Naam Sewa Sansthan, has witnessed at least 9 Kumbhs. 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 every day. After the completion, the booklet is deposited in the individual's account.
Passbook of Ram Naam Bank is issued like other banks
Ashutosh said the name of the Lord should be written in red ink as it is the color of love. "The divine name of Lord Ram is credited in the account of the account holder," said Gunjan Varshney, President of the bank situated at Civil Lines in Allahabad, adding that the account passbook is issued just like any other bank.
You can download 'Ram Naam' app from Google Play Store
Explaining the digital nature of the bank, Gunjan Varshney said, "The Ram Naam app can be downloaded free of cost from Google Play Store." "The person has to register with the organization, giving basic details such as name, age, address and also why he/she wants to write the name of Lord Ram," she said, adding after this, they're given the login ID and password.
Here's how you can register at the bank
After registration on the app, users can see the first page of the 30-page booklet. It's only after that a person completes the first e-booklet (by writing Ram 108 times on each page) that he/she is given an account number," said Gunjan. She also informed that the Digital Ram Naam Bank uses cloud computing technology for better processing and smooth functioning.
Writer wouldn't be able to use cut-copy-paste mode digitally
"Another interesting aspect of the digital version is that the writer would have to write the name of Lord Ram individually 108 times on the page, and would not be able to engage himself/herself in cut-copy-paste mode," Gunjan Varshney said. She claimed the digital version of Ram Naam Bank is gradually gaining popularity among the literate devotees in the Mela area.
Only currency in bank is name of Lord Ram: Gunjan
"All these services are provided free of cost. Ram Naam Bank has ledgers and passbooks like any other bank, and maintains the records of its 'depositors'," said Gunjan. "The only currency that works in this bank is the name of Lord Ram," she said.
Writing Ram Naam comes in the 'writing meditation' category: Gunjan
Gunjan said writing Ram Naam is called 'Likhita Jaap', and it comes in the category of writing meditation. "This gives one a complete sense of surrender to an inner conscience and peace while writing the golden words," she said, adding that all the senses are engaged in the service of Lord. People can write 'Ram Naam' in Urdu, English, and Bengali apart from Hindi.
