micro-finance

Dr Kalpana Sankar, a nuclear physicist turned social reformer, co-founded Hand in Hand India, an NGO empowering 2.2 million women, eradicating child labour, and creating 1.5 million jobs.

"The reasons why the farmers were resorting to suicide seemed like issues that could be addressed – some spoke of not having money to educate their children while for some it was the lack of money for their daughter's marriage."

It began in rural southeast West Bengal, in the small village of Ullon close to Lakhsmikantapur. It is one of the poorest and most backward districts in the state. Here, 6,00,000 trees were planted in the early 1980s by Mr Mondal's father.

The Youth Volunteers Union is well known all over Manipur for their work in fostering livelihoods, and behind their inspiring work is the story of one man’s vision. Dhruva Balram explores further.

At a time when junk food has urban youngsters under its thrall, there is a need for interesting, appetising and healthy alternatives to burgers, pizzas and the like. Millet-based products could be a good option in this respect and women entrepreneurs in rural Tamil Nadu are capitalising on this need by using their business acumen to make and sell them.

Howard, a marine engineer utilizes his vacations of two months by visiting villagers and measuring the impact microfinance has created in their lives. The stories and insights he has about the beneficiaries is amazing. Know more about the incredible work he is doing.