Get to know Dr.Kalpana Sankar
Dr. Kalpana Sankar, a pioneering impactpreneur and nuclear physicist turned social entrepreneur, has reshaped social impact over the past three decades. As the Managing Director of Belstar Microfinance Ltd. and the co-founder and Chairperson
of Hand in Hand India, she has empowered 9.8 million rural women with sustainable employment opportunities. Her journey reflects an unwavering commitment to uplifting marginalized communities.
Under Dr. Sankar’s guidance, Hand in Hand’s innovative five-pillar approach has fostered women entrepreneurs, created models for reducing child labour, and uplifted communities across nations. Her influence extends globally,
having served with organizations such as IFAD, UNOPS, and UNDP. She is the recipient of prestigious awards including the Nari Shakti Puraskar, Bal Kalyan Puraskar, and the inaugural Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Global
Award for Women’s Empowerment from the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Dr. Sankar’s academic journey includes earning an Executive MBA from TRIUM, where she was awarded the program’s inaugural scholarship. She is the co-author of Childhood Regained and Microfinance for a Million Smiles, and her upcoming
memoir, scheduled for release in August 2024, serves as a testament to the transformative power of dedication and resilience, inspiring individuals to embark on their own journey of social change.
Dr. Sankar lives in Chennai with her family and loves connecting with innovative entrepreneurs and out-of-the-box thinkers.