Vikram Akula

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Vikram
Born Ryakal, Medak district, Andhra Pradesh, India
Nationality American
Alma mater Tufts University
Yale University
University of Chicago
Occupation Founder, SKS Microfinance
Parents Akula V. Krishna
Padma Krishna

Vikram Akula is the founder and former chairperson of SKS Microfinance, an organization that offers microloans and insurance to poor women in impoverished areas of India. Inspired by the Grameen model of Muhammad Yunus, he started the SKS Microfinance (SKS stands for Swayam Krishi Sangam) to eradicate poverty and with an approach to profitability. He believed that such an institution can only survive if it earns profit, unlike government initiatives which dole out small loans without strict guidelines and which result in poor financial discipline among the recipients. He stepped down as SKS chairman in November 2011.[1]

He is the author of A Fistful of Rice; My Unexpected Quest to End Poverty Through Profitability, published by Harvard Business Press. He is an alumnus of Tufts University, Yale University, and the University of Chicago.

Recognition

Akula has received several awards for his work with SKS.

  • Social Entrepreneur of the Year in India, 2006.[2]
  • Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in India (Start-up, 2006)[3]
  • Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in India (Business Transformation, 2010)[4]
  • Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People of the Year in 2006.[5]
  • Karmaveer Puraskaar Noble Laureates, 2006-2007.[6]
  • World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leader award, 2008.[7]
  • Echoing Green Poverty Alleviation Economic Development - 1998 Fellow[8]

References

  1. ↑ Boss of Indian microfinance firm SKS steps down, BBC, 24 November 2011
  2. ↑ "Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship - Profiles". Schwab Foundation. Retrieved 27 December 2012. 
  3. ↑ "Entrepreneur of the Year 2011: Start-up companies - Ernst & Young - India". Ernst & Young. Retrieved 27 December 2012. 
  4. ↑ "EOY 2009 winners - Ernst & Young - India". Ernst & Young. Retrieved 27 December 2012. 
  5. ↑ Rawe, Julie (2006-04-30). "TIME 100: The People Who Shape Our World - Vikram Akula". Time Magazine. Retrieved 2010-05-27. 
  6. ↑ "Karmaveer Puraskar - Awardees by Category". Karmaveer Puraskar. Retrieved 27 December 2012. 
  7. ↑ "World Economic Forum - Vikram K. Akula". World Economic Forum. Retrieved 27 December 2012. 
  8. ↑ "Vikram Akula - 1998 Fellow". Echoing Green. Retrieved 27 December 2012. 

External links


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