In 2004, Dr. Kalpana Sankar was working with Tamil Nadu Women’s Development Corporation as a Monitoring & Evaluation Officer in Chennai. Little did she know that her life would change that year. After an interview with Dr. Percy Barnevik who was looking for a CEO to run the then fledgling NGO, Hand in Hand, Dr. Kalpana knew her path in social development was set out for her.
Dr. Kalpana Sankar’s story, The Scientist Entrepreneur, takes readers on a compelling journey through her groundbreaking work in rural finance and social entrepreneurship. Learn how she combined her scientific acumen and entrepreneurial spirit to empower underserved communities, particularly women and children, across India.
Author’s Note
Journey from Physicist to Social Entrepreneur
Welcome to the World of The Scientist Entrepreneur
Through The Scientist Entrepreneur, I invite you to join me on a my journey through the many chapters of my life. This isn’t just a story about my life—it’s about overcoming challenges, celebrating wins, and believing in the power of community and innovation.
From my early days as a nuclear physicist to my transition into social entrepreneurship, every step of my journey has been driven by a deep-seated desire to create meaningful change. I’ve navigated through complex social issues, from child labour elimination to empowering women through self-help groups. Each chapter of my life gives a glimpse of the challenges faced and the lessons learned.
The path to social change is fraught with obstacles. In this book, I talk openly about the tough times—the financial hurdles, societal resistance, and moments of doubt. But more importantly, I discuss how these challenges became opportunities for growth and innovation. Whether it was battling financial constraints, challenging societal norms, or standing up for the marginalized, each hurdle strengthened my resolve.
For every challenge faced, there were wins that reaffirmed my faith in our collective ability to make a difference. Watching women become successful entrepreneurs, seeing children return to school, and witnessing communities uplift themselves through shared effort. This book is a celebration of those victories and the incredible impact of community-based models and microfinance in fighting poverty.
I hope “The Scientist Entrepreneur” inspires you. Whether you’re an aspiring social entrepreneur, a community leader, or someone who wants to make a difference, my journey offers insights and encouragement. Believe in your ideas, trust in your community, and know that change is possible.
KALPANA SANKAR