In the News
They’ve taken the road less travelled
Business Standard; December 03, 2007
By BS Reporter
Summary/Excerpts
INDIA ECONOMIC SUMMIT 2007—The four finalists from among whom the Social Entrepreneur of The Year 2007 will be chosen on the last day of the India Economic Summit are Harish Hande of SELCO, Karnataka; Rajendra Joshi of Saath, Gujarat; Pravin Mahajan of Janarth, Maharashtra; and Chetna Gala Sinha of Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank, Ltd., Maharashtra.
The four were chosen from more than a hundred nominations received by the Nand & Jeet Khemka Foundation and The Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship in collaboration with UNDP and the Confederation of Indian Industry.
The award is intended to recognise social entrepreneurs whose work has created, and has the potential to create, large-scale transformational benefits for disenfranchised populations.
Hande is pioneering access to rural solar electrification for families living below the poverty line, bringing dependable energy to rural areas and reducing carbon emissions. Joshi works in public-private partnership to create mechanisms that empower the urban poor to become willing customers of basic services and gain livelihoods.
Mahajan innovates education solutions for the children of seasonal migrants so that they may be able to access standard education as a first step to break the cycle of poverty. Sinha has created the first bank run by and for rural women. Her comprehensive programmes have helped create successful entrepreneurs and build financial assets.
© 2007 Business Standard Ltd. All Rights Reserved
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