Chandra Shekhar Ghosh’s life is a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative potential of a single, unwavering vision. Born in 1960 into a financially struggling family in Agartala, Tripura, Ghosh’s early life was characterized by hardship. His family barely survived on the meager income from their small candy store. However, Ghosh remained determined to pursue his education, a commitment that led him to Bangladesh where he graduated from Dhaka University with a degree in statistics in 1978, despite facing significant financial challenges.
To support himself, Ghosh lived in an ashram and tutored young students. In 1985, a pivotal moment arrived when he was hired by BRAC, a Bangladeshi International Development Non-Profit Organisation. Witnessing the transformative impact of modest financial support on the lives of women in remote villages ignited a spark within him. Ghosh decided to replicate this model in India.
After returning to Kolkata in 1997, Ghosh gained valuable experience at the Village Welfare Society before embarking on his own entrepreneurial journey. In 2001, he established Bandhan, a micro-lending organization focused on providing financial services to women. Starting with a modest investment of Rs 2 lakh, borrowed from friends and family, Bandhan faced numerous obstacles. Despite having only 12 staff members, it demonstrated remarkable progress. By 2002, Bandhan had disbursed loans totaling Rs 15 lakh to approximately 1,100 women.
Ghosh’s vision and determination continued to revolutionize the lives of countless individuals. In 2009, Bandhan was registered as a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), marking a significant milestone. By this time, Bandhan had positively impacted the lives of nearly 80 lakh women.
When the RBI opened applications for establishing banks in 2013, Ghosh saw an opportunity to further expand his reach. Bandhan successfully obtained a banking license and commenced operations as Bandhan Bank in 2015. The bank, boasting a market valuation of Rs 28,997 crore, has a robust network of 6,262 locations across 35 states and union territories, serving over 3.26 crore clients.
Chandra Shekhar Ghosh’s journey, from selling milk to becoming a successful CEO, stands as a powerful reminder that determination, hard work, and unwavering commitment can overcome any obstacle, leading to remarkable achievements. His legacy will inspire generations to come, demonstrating the transformative power of financial inclusion and the profound impact that a single individual can have on society.
