Former ICICI Bank Limited chairman and the Chancellor of Krea University Narayanan Vaghul and Dr. Ashok Jhunjhunwala, President, IIT Madras Research Park & Incubation Cell launched a coffee table book titled ‘LEAD the Journey – Catalysing Change, Enabling Transformative Solutions’: which chronicles the ideas, collaborations and efforts that have brought our work to life over the past decade and a half.

Speaking at the launch, LEAD’s Executive Director Sharon Buteau said that:

“Knowledge creation is a powerful tool for positive impact, provided it can be shared and ultimately used. From some of the earliest product innovations in microfinance to unpacking the growth dynamics of small businesses, we have seen first-hand the immense potential of testing powerful, innovative ideas on the ground. Through this book, we are telling the story of our own journey before charting our next chapter. We are also upbeat about LEAD’s next phase – LEAD X – which will focus on disruptive solutions for critical development problems that remain intractable.”

Narayanan Vaghul, Chancellor, Krea University was quoted saying:

“The completion of 15 years of research by LEAD at Krea University is a landmark moment to reflect on the milestones of the past and look at the future with a renewed sense of purpose. The areas that LEAD has specialised in — such as financial inclusion and the growth of small businesses — are of immense  importance for a country like India, where a significant proportion of the population lives below the poverty line, lacking access to essential services and a decent standard of living.”

The book release also coincided with the inauguration of LEAD’s new office at IIT Madras Research Park. LEAD is a member of IITMRP’s “Fintech for Inclusion” ecosystem which includes partners from industry and academia working towards enhancing access to critical financial services for underserved segments, through collaboration and innovation.

Resources:

Discover: ‘ARTribute’ – an immersive, digital imagination of the book (click on the tiles and let the story unfold)

Read more: Press Release