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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December 28, 20233 Minutes Read

Leena Tiwari - Founder of the Indian Institute of Sustainable Development

Leena Tiwari , who is the visionary founder of the Indian Institute of Sustainable Development , commits to fostering a culture of sustainability that has not only earned her acclaim but also made a significant impact on the way India approaches development.

As the founder of the Indian Institute of Sustainable Development , Leena Tiwari has become a driving force behind initiatives prioritising environmental responsibility and socio-economic progress. Under her leadership, the institute is a beacon for individuals and organisations looking to align their efforts with the principles of sustainable development .

Sustainable development is more than just a catchphrase for Leena Tiwari; it is a guiding philosophy that permeates every aspect of the Indian Institute of Sustainable Development . The institute is a hub for research, education, and advocacy, fostering an environment where individuals can engage with and contribute to realising sustainable development goals .

One of the primary goals of the Indian Institute of Sustainable Development is to create awareness and instil a sense of responsibility towards the environment. Leena Tiwari believes that education plays a crucial role in bringing about a mindset shift, and the institute serves as a platform for disseminating knowledge on sustainable practices and their broader impact.

Leena Tiwari's vision aligns seamlessly with the global movement towards achieving the United Nations' sustainable development goals . Through the institute, she has created a space where individuals can actively address challenges such as poverty, climate change, and inequality while working towards a more sustainable future for India.

The institute's educational programs cater to a diverse audience, from students and professionals to policymakers and community leaders. Leena Tiwari emphasises the importance of equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to integrate sustainability into their respective spheres of influence, thus fostering a multiplier effect in the journey towards sustainable development .

Leena Tiwari's impact extends beyond the confines of the institute. She actively engages with policymakers, industry leaders, and communities to advocate for sustainable practices. Her work reflects a commitment to bridging the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that the principles of sustainable development are not just academic concepts but actionable strategies for positive change.

In India, where rapid development often comes at the cost of environmental degradation, Leena Tiwari's approach is refreshing and necessary. The Indian Institute of Sustainable Development serves as a testament to her belief that economic growth can be achieved hand in hand with ecological responsibility.

Leena Tiwari's journey as the institute's founder is a story of perseverance and passion. It is a reminder that one person's vision can catalyse a movement towards a more sustainable and equitable future. As she continues to lead the institute, Leena Tiwari remains an influential figure in India's sustainable development landscape, shaping the institution's legacy and contributing to the country's larger narrative of responsible and conscious development.

Leena Tiwari's commitment to sustainable development through the Indian Institute of Sustainable Development is a shining example of how individuals can be architects of change. Her efforts have created ripples that extend far beyond the institute, influencing the mindset of individuals, communities, and organisations. As the journey towards sustainable development in India unfolds, Leena Tiwari stands as a beacon, guiding the way towards a future where progress is harmonised with the planet's and its people's well-being.

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