What the Book is About :“Tales from the Teller Counter” is not just about banking — it’s about people. P.A. Sivaramakrishna takes readers behind the scenes of one of India’s largest banks, showing moments that no passbook, statement, or mobile app can reveal:
- The young girl whose single smile across the counter stayed in his heart for years
- The villager who tried entering his village PIN code (522601) as his ATM PIN
- A customer who believed bankers must know his balance even at the chai stall
- A lady who angrily accused the bank of “eating her gas subsidy”
- Pensioners whose gratitude shaped his understanding of compassion
- Chaos during link failures, salary days, and government counters
- Deep lessons from senior colleagues, union leaders, and branch managers
Every story is written with simplicity, honesty, and emotional depth — making the reader laugh in one moment and reflect deeply in the next.
Why the Author Wrote This Book
P.A. Sivaramakrishna began his journey in SBI as a humble clerk, eventually handling cash counters, government business, ATMs, audits, and operational responsibilities. Through every role, he witnessed thousands of emotions every single day.
He says:
“Banking is not just about money. It is about trust. People don’t just hand us cash — they hand us their fears, hopes, savings, and dreams.”
During his toughest professional phases, it was these stories and people that gave him purpose and strength.
The book becomes a tribute to:
- His colleagues
- His customers
- His union mentors
- His family
- And every ordinary Indian who walks into a bank with extraordinary stories
Author’s Vision
For P.A. Sivaramakrishna, ‘Tales from the Teller Counter’ is more than a book — it is a timeless preservation of a world that is slowly disappearing. During his thirteen years behind SBI counters, he witnessed thousands of stories unfold in front of him — stories of trust, fear, innocence, misunderstandings, gratitude, anger, and hope.
His vision is to remind readers that humanity still breathes in everyday spaces — even within the four walls of a busy bank branch. At a time when banking is rapidly shifting towards automation and AI-driven interactions, he wants to immortalize the warmth of traditional banking: the personal conversations, the unspoken trust, the familiar faces, and the small human moments that no digital screen can replace.
He believes that behind every customer is a story waiting to be acknowledged, and behind every teller counter is a human being holding those stories with responsibility and empathy. Through this book, the author hopes readers — bankers and non-bankers alike — will rediscover compassion, patience, and the beauty of ordinary lives.
Essence of the Book
At its heart, ‘Tales from the Teller Counter’ is a celebration of everyday humanity. The book captures the emotional journey of people from all walks of life who step into a bank not only to withdraw or deposit money, but to seek trust, connection, clarity, and sometimes even comfort.
The essence of the book lies in its ability to reflect the beauty hidden within ordinary interactions — the nervousness of a first-time ATM user, the gratitude of pensioners receiving their monthly income, the frustration of customers during network issues, and the joy of small victories that brighten a teller’s long day.
The stories form a tapestry of emotions — hope, fear, innocence, humor, and resilience — reminding readers that behind every counter, there is a human story unfolding quietly.
The Town That Shaped the Author – Narasaraopet
Narasaraopet, the hometown of P.A. Sivaramakrishna, is one of the most culturally rich and historically grounded towns in Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh. Nestled between the Eastern Ghats and the fertile plains of Palnadu, the town is known for its vibrant traditions, warm people, and deep literary and artistic spirit.
It has been home to several notable personalities — former Chief Minister Kasu Brahmananda Reddy, celebrated lyricist Ramajogayya Sastry, and playback singer Ramya Behara, among many others. Narasaraopet is a town where stories are born in every tea stall, market street, and festival gathering.
For Sivaramakrishna, growing up in Narasaraopet meant being surrounded by stories of struggle, compassion, humor, and human connection — the same elements that define his writing. The town taught him to observe people deeply and appreciate the beauty of ordinary lives — lessons that breathe life into every chapter of his book.
A Book for Every Reader — Not Just Bankers
While the book comes from a banking background, it is written for:
- Anyone who enjoys real-life stories
- Anyone who wants inspiration in tough times
- Young professionals who want to understand resilience
- Aspiring bankers
- Readers who love slice-of-life narratives
- People curious about what really happens behind counters
This book reminds us that every profession — no matter how routine — holds stories that can touch lives.
About the Author
P.A. Sivaramakrishna served in the State Bank of India from 2009 to 2022, working across various roles including cashier, teller, government business handler, and branch operations. Known among colleagues for his discipline, accuracy, and compassion, he believes that banking taught him life more than money ever did.
Growing up in Narasaraopet, his deep connection with people and culture reflects beautifully in his writing.
‘Tales from the Teller Counter’ is his attempt to preserve a world that today’s digital era is slowly forgetting — the human side of banking.
Closing Note
‘Tales from the Teller Counter’ is not just a collection of experiences — it is a reminder that every person we meet, no matter how briefly, carries a universe of emotions within them. Through this book, P.A. Sivaramakrishna honors the unsung heroes of Indian banking — the tellers, clerks, officers, and customers whose everyday lives create extraordinary stories.
The book encourages readers to pause, observe, and appreciate the beauty hidden in routine moments — a smile, a question, a mistake, a conversation, a signature. In a world moving rapidly toward digital interactions, this book preserves the warmth of human connection that has always been the true foundation of banking.
Availability
The book is available on:
- Amazon.in
- Amazon.com
- Flipkart
- Notion Press Store
- Google Play Books
- Kobo
- Kindle Store