Long ago, when I was in second standard, my school organized a trip the local branch of a nationalized bank. The purpose was to teach us how banks worked and to inculcate the habit of saving in us. Or maybe, it had more to do with getting permissions for the trip. Parents of most of my classmates (and my dad) worked in that bank, and so did a class teacher’s spouse. So arranging a trip to the bank was easier than, say a trip to the post office.

Ergo, one fine day we, 20 kids and couple of teachers shepherding us, trooped into the bank’s branch. The branch manager accompanied us, pointing out the “windows” (counters) where one could open an account, deposit or withdraw cash. We all tried to concentrate on what he was saying, trying to at least look interested, dutifully asking prepared questions whenever prompted by teachers.

But even this dull drab class trip had its high point: a glimpse of the bank “strong room” (vault). Usually, anyone except authorized bank employees is not allowed to go anywhere near the strong room. But since we had those “inside connections”, we were allowed to see it (although entering it was still out-of-question).

So we kids went down a small narrow staircase in single file, and waited with bated breath. Then like a pair of magicians, two bank employees opened the heavy steel door in front of us. Behind that door was a room that resembled a prison cell, with its gray walls and barred gate. And inside the room were lots and lots of currency notes! Some in ordered stacks, some in piles, some were being counted and bundled. There were also sealed boxes and sacks of coins. Wow! Uncle Scrooge’s fantasy (nearly) coming true.

We kids just watched in awe. I remember someone commenting that there was enough money in that room to buy lifelong supply of chocolates and comics for all of the class. I also remember the collective sigh when the steel door was closed again and we were shepherded out. That sight of the strong room was to stay with all of us, especially me, for a long time.

My dad later explained to me, “Ours was a small branch, and we only did a daily business of Rs. 50 lakhs max (roughly $100000). The money you saw in the strong room may not have been much.” Really? But it was a lot of money for a 5-year old kid back then.

That awesome sight gave me a dream and inspiration. I knew what I wanted to do when I grew up. I wanted to own a bank!!! And given the current economical scenario and the condition of banks (the bank dad worked with included), I can realize the dream by simply buying one ;0).

Tags: withdraw, vault, saving, kid, deposit, account, branch, business, uncle scrooge, coins, notes, money, economy, trip, school, bank