Published in 2011, A Fistful of Rice, "My Unexpected Quest to End Poverty Through Profitability", is the story of Vikram Akula. According to Wikipedia, Vikram is a pioneer in market-based approaches to financial inclusion. He is the founder of SKS Microfinance, an organization that offers "microloans" to poor women in India.
I was inspired by the heart and story of this man. His is a unique vision: micro finance as a commercial venture. Simply put, his company loans small amounts of money to women in extreme poverty, enabling them to start a business in their remote villages. They pay back the loan with interest. SKS loans the money to groups of five women who help one another and hold one another accountable. The women make money, the employees - the delivery system - make money and the investors make money. Most women now have a steady income, life insurance and a cell phone.
The transformation of communities has been breathtaking. A story of how one man with a vision is changing the world.
5 out of 5 stars
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