The First Woman To Be A Chairman And Leader Of The State Bank of India: Arundhati Bhattacharya

October 18, 20212 Minutes Read
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From having a dream to become a journalist to being the first woman chairman of State Bank Of India, this lady’s journey is as inspiring as it can get!

Arundhati Bhattacharya is a woman who changed the SBI bank's fortune forever! And she has an impressive list of achievements to her credit:

  • Listed as the 25th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes

  • Named as the 4th most powerful woman in the Asia Pacific by Fortune.

  • India Today ranked her 19th in India's 50 most influential people on the 2017 list. In 2018, she was named the Business Leader of the year at the Asian Awards.

    Her work as the chairman of SBI was filled with achievements too. So much so that SBI even granted her an extension after her retirement as the chairman. This superwoman took up this opportunity too!

    Arundhati Bhattacharya brought about a profound change in the history of the state bank of India. She has done many beneficial things for the bank's employees as well as the customers.

  • She introduced a sabbatical leave policy for women employees of the bank. So that women could be granted an extended leave for the desired period and join the office again.

  • Made the bank go digital by introducing the YONO app. This step towards becoming technologically savvy proved to be highly valuable and helpful for both - the bank and its customers.

    And yet, banking was never her first choice.... She wanted to be a journalist!

    Banking was considered a secure job for women; journalism could be chosen if you have strong contacts. So when Arundhati cleared her exam as SBI probationary officer, she decided to take up the job. She sacrificed her dream of becoming a journalist someday.

    At that time, it wasn't easy to pursue a career in journalism. But even today, many people find it challenging to choose a job. There are so many things to consider - what does one like, salary, actual life in the field. Going for Career guidance counselling and psychometric tests is a good idea to know the different career options available today.

    A little bit of guidance goes a long way in making your dream career real!

    Though banking was not her first choice, Arundhati gave it her 100%! ...

    She started as a junior manager at the Kolkata branch. She got three consecutive promotions at the Kharagpur branch and left the branch as the assistant general manager.

    Over time, Arundhati developed a passion for banking. She started climbing the ladder of success through her hard work and dedication.

    She got posted as the branch manager at Nirampura. Arundhati's efforts and hard work further helped her become a Vice President at the New York Branch of SBI. She was there for four years.

    When she was back in India, she got posted in the foreign exchange department in Kolkata.

    Later in 2008, she got transferred to Mumbai. Here she worked as a deputy MD, then MD, CFO, and then finally, her dedication got her to become a Chairman of SBI.

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February 19, 20242 Minutes Read

Social Entrepreneurship: Women Driving Impactful Change in India

A powerful force is reshaping communities and driving positive change -- women-led social entrepreneurship . As the narrative of entrepreneurship evolves, so does the role of women who are not just creating businesses but building ventures with a profound impact on society. Let's explore the realm of women's entrepreneurship and the significant strides in social entrepreneurship .

Social entrepreneurship is about harnessing the power of business to address social and environmental challenges. In India, many women embrace this approach, positioning themselves as business leaders and catalysts for positive change. Their ventures aim not just for profit but also for meaningful impact on the communities they serve.

The landscape of women entrepreneurship in India is growing, with female entrepreneurs actively participating in diverse sectors, including social entrepreneurship. This shift is breaking stereotypes and showcasing the multifaceted roles women can play as business leaders with a mission beyond just financial gains.

One compelling aspect of this transformation is the variety of startup ideas for women in social entrepreneurship. From ventures addressing healthcare disparities to those focused on education, women are bringing innovative solutions to the forefront. These ventures are not just about economic empowerment but about creating sustainable change in the fabric of society.

Social entrepreneurship ideas are often born from a deep understanding of local challenges. As the architects of many of these initiatives, women bring a unique perspective to problem-solving. Whether providing access to clean water, improving healthcare facilities, or promoting sustainable agriculture, these entrepreneurs are at the forefront of impactful change.

The intersection of entrepreneur ideas for women and social entrepreneurship creates a space where purpose-driven businesses thrive. Women are not just looking for financial success; they seek ways to contribute meaningfully to society. The spirit of collaboration and community building is embedded in their ventures, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collective well-being.

One notable example is Preeti Singh, a social entrepreneur who founded a venture focused on menstrual hygiene in rural India. Her initiative addresses a critical health issue and empowers women by providing them with sustainable and affordable solutions. Preeti's story represents the transformative potential of women's entrepreneurship in tackling societal challenges.

The emphasis on social entrepreneurship among women is also generating a ripple effect regarding mentorship and support networks. Established female entrepreneurs are actively encouraging and guiding the next generation. This mentorship is crucial in nurturing a culture of innovation and resilience among women venturing into social entrepreneurship.

The momentum of women entrepreneurship in social impact ventures is not just a trend; it signifies a paradigm shift in how businesses operate in India. Organisations and institutions recognise women's value in terms of empathy, collaboration, and a deep understanding of community needs.

The rise of social entrepreneurship driven by women in India is a testament to the transformative power of purpose-driven businesses. As more women explore and invest in entrepreneurial ideas for women that focus on social impact, the future promises a more equitable and sustainable society. These women entrepreneurs are not just building businesses but driving impactful change and leaving an indelible mark on the nation's socio-economic fabric.

At Glow & Lovely Careers (formerly known as Fair & Lovely Career Foundation), we believe in empowering women to be independent. We provide online career guidance, existing jobs and other online courses to help them nurture their dream of driving social entrepreneurship in India.