ECON-versations Raya Poredi

An insightful episode as Professor Champaka Rajagopalan unravels the intersection of architecture, policy, and urban planning. We delve into her spatial expertise influencing governance, discover insights shaping urban practices, and explore challenges confronting municipal corporations. A myriad of perspectives on global financial planning and India's approach. The intricacies of public-private partnerships in large-scale projects gleaned from Professor Rajagopal's impactful conversation.

This episode navigates the fascinating fields of gender, economics, and microfinance with Dr. Smitha Radhakrishnan, a professor at Wellesley College. Drawing from her expertise and acclaimed book, 'Making Women Pay,' our conversation explores the nuances of microfinance effectiveness, the role of digital literacy, and the transformative potential of women-centric Microfinance Institutions. Gain valuable insights into policy changes and Dr. Radhakrishnan's vision for global collaboration.

In a captivating conversation with Ms. Urmee Mankar, the strategist spearheading Swadhaar's Strategic Projects and Partnerships, we explore the principles and genesis of Swadhaar. Ms. Mankar's journey in microfinance unfolds, explaining the sector's swift evolution, especially within the digital urban settings, Swadhaar's enduring dedication to microfinance remains constant.
 

Engaging in a dialogue with Mr. Jayesh Shah, the CEO of Svatantra MHFC, we discuss the contemporary significance of micro-housing finance. Mr. Shah illuminates the distinctive aspects differentiating their firm from traditional banks, shedding light on methodologies, customer-centric approaches, and the expanding horizons within this domain. While giving importance to each client and an informed approach, he fulfills the desire to have a home for many.

In an insightful conversation with Mr. Bhargav Dasgupta, a luminary in the insurance industry and currently serving as the Vice President of the Asian Development Bank, we explore the multifaceted role of major corporations in contributing to societal well-being—spanning climate financing to microfinance—and their collaborative efforts with governments, smaller institutions, and consumers to usher in a transformative era.