17th September 2025, Kathmandu
In a commendable display of corporate social responsibility (CSR), Shangri-la Development Bank has provided crucial assistance to the Durbar Marg Police Circle in Kathmandu.
SADBL Donates IT Equipment
The donation of essential office equipment aims to help the police station restore its administrative operations, which were severely disrupted by recent unrest that led to extensive property damage. The contribution, which includes two desktop computers and a three-in-one machine (printer, scanner, and photocopier), highlights the bank’s commitment to supporting the community and ensuring the continuity of public services.
Restoration of Police Operations and the Broader Context
The official handover of the equipment was conducted by Mr. Apurva Prasad Joshi, Chief Operating Officer of Shangri-la Development Bank, to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Rajkumar Shrestha, the head of the Durbar Marg Police Circle. DSP Shrestha expressed his profound gratitude for the bank’s timely support, acknowledging that such contributions are vital for restoring the basic functionality of the station. However, he also emphasized that the damage to the police station is extensive and that a full recovery will require additional support. The computers and multifunction machine are indispensable for the police staff to carry out their daily duties, which include processing reports, maintaining digital and physical records, and managing administrative tasks essential for effective law enforcement.
This act of solidarity is particularly significant given the widespread damage to public infrastructure in Nepal following recent protests. The civil unrest, which has been associated with what is being called a “Gen Z” movement, has resulted in massive destruction not just to government buildings, but also to private businesses and institutions across the country. According to reports, the damage to public infrastructure alone is estimated to be in the billions of rupees. Many police stations, government offices, and even private properties have been targeted and destroyed by arson and vandalism. The Kathmandu Valley Police Headquarters, for instance, was reportedly destroyed, and countless crucial files and digital archives were lost. The scale of this destruction has placed immense pressure on state bodies to resume operations and rebuild their infrastructure from scratch. In this context, the donation by Shangri-la Development Bank is not merely a gesture but a tangible and vital contribution to the ongoing recovery efforts.
The Role of Nepal’s Financial Institutions in Community Support
Shangri-la Development Bank’s action is an exemplary model of how the private sector, particularly financial institutions, can step up during times of crisis. The bank, which operates an extensive network of 109 branches and 30 ATMs across Nepal, has long expressed its commitment to institutional social responsibility and community welfare. A bank representative explained that the confidence and faith of the public have been instrumental to the bank’s growth, and it is their duty to give back to the community, especially when essential public services are under threat.
This kind of proactive support is becoming increasingly important in Nepal, where the private sector is a key driver of economic activity and employment. Major private sector organizations like the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) have also been urging the government to create a safe and conducive environment for business, highlighting the massive losses incurred by private firms due to the unrest. While businesses are focusing on their own recovery, as evidenced by the determination expressed by CNI President Birendra Raj Pandey to move forward with “new enthusiasm and high morale,” many are also participating in community-focused CSR initiatives. The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), the central bank, has also issued directives requiring banks and financial institutions (BFIs) to allocate a portion of their profits to CSR activities, further encouraging such contributions. Shangri-la Development Bank’s donation is a clear demonstration of this commitment in action, reinforcing its image as a responsible and compassionate financial institution.
A Path Towards Recovery and Renewed Confidence
The donation from Shangri-la Development Bank not only provides immediate relief to the Durbar Marg Police Circle but also sends a powerful message of solidarity to all law enforcement agencies and local residents affected by the recent disturbances. In a period of heightened uncertainty and public anxiety, such acts of cooperation between the private and public sectors are critical for restoring public trust and confidence. The bank’s timely support will allow police staff to continue their work with greater efficiency, ensuring the continuity of law and order.
This initiative highlights the crucial role that businesses can play in the social fabric of a nation, demonstrating that financial excellence can be seamlessly integrated with community empowerment. As Nepal grapples with the aftermath of the unrest and works towards rebuilding its infrastructure, the partnership between organizations like Shangri-la Development Bank and public service institutions will be key to a successful recovery. The bank’s proactive and timely support is a testament to its mission to combine financial success with a deep commitment to the safety and progress of the communities it serves, setting a positive precedent for other corporations to follow.
For More: SADBL Donates IT Equipment