Nagpur mourns the loss of a prominent political and financial figure as senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and cooperative banking veteran Ramesh Mantri passed away on Monday. He was 73 years old.
A Pillar of Cooperative Banking
Ramesh Mantri was widely respected for his deep expertise in the cooperative banking sector. He served as the chairman of the Nagpur Nagrik Sahakari Bank (NNSB), steering it to profitability even during the challenging phases of the 2000s when many similar institutions struggled. Associates noted that under his leadership, NNSB was among the few cooperative banks that successfully generated profits from treasury operations during that era.
His proficiency made him a sought-after advisor during crises. His brother, Girish Mantri, recalled that banks frequently reached out to him for guidance when they faced trouble. This reputation led to his appointment as a member of the national task force on the cooperative sector.
Political Stature and National Recognition
Beyond banking, Mantri was an active political figure. He had contested the Lok Sabha elections on a BJP ticket. His problem-solving skills extended to aiding industrialists and engaging in various social initiatives, as highlighted by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in a post on social media platform X.
His influence reached the national level. Girish Mantri remembered that his brother had worked alongside Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Gujarat to help resolve issues at a troubled bank in the state.
A Man of Many Talents
Those close to him remembered Ramesh Mantri as a man of diverse interests and remarkable mechanical aptitude. Despite having no formal degree in engineering, he possessed an innate talent for fixing complex machines. As a hobby, he enjoyed repairing watches, a skill that symbolized his meticulous and solution-oriented nature.
His passing leaves a significant void in both the political circles of Nagpur and the specialized world of cooperative finance in India. He is remembered as a leader who combined financial acumen with a commitment to public service.
