Latest issue SEP 25, 2009
COVER STORY: At the Crossroads
Vikram Akula's SKS Microfinance was one of the first to show that private capital could be harnessed to nurture sustainable livelihoods in villages. Today, the company is on the verge of becoming the largest MFI in the world, overtaking Grameen Bank. It is looking at a big bang IPO in 2010. But as the company scales up, can Akula find the perfect balance between profit motive and social commitment?
What's Holding Back the Hand that Feeds?
Sonia Gandhi wants to ensure that no one goes hungry in India, and is trying to push through the National Food Security Act to guarantee that. But the Act is facing opposition from several fronts including its own government, which needs to balance welfare economics with fiscal prudence.
CEO of the Soul
The Dalai Lama symbolises not just the Tibetan peoples' right to self-determination, but also the universal right to freedom and human dignity. For six decades he has led his people, keeping hope alive even when there is no visible sign of success. In an interview with Subroto Bagchi, the Monk shares his thoughts on business and leadership, and the secret behind what keeps him going.
Ahoy! Let's sail.
The Indian coastline is a sailing enthusiast’s dream: A lot of natural harbours, calm waters for a leisurely sail, and even a bit of stormy water for the adventurous. And no, you don't need to be a Vijay Mallya or an Ambani with a 200-feet yacht to skim the waters. To hoist a sail, all you need is, to be in reasonably good physical shape.
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