Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Former WHO Chief Scientist Launches Dr. Kalpana Sankar’s Inspiring Autobiography, The Scientist Entrepreneur: Empowering Millions of Women

Chennai, August: Former WHO Chief Scientist and Chairperson of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, launched Dr. Kalpana Sankar’s inspiring autobiography, The Scientist Entrepreneur: Empowering Millions of Women, today in Chennai. This newly launched book chronicles Dr. Sankar’s extraordinary transition from a nuclear scientist to a pioneering force in entrepreneurship. It serves as a beacon of inspiration for young entrepreneurs, particularly women, offering invaluable insights into overcoming the challenges faced by female leaders.
Dr. Sankar through her initiatives has touched upon the lives of 4.15 million households and supported the establishment of over 112,000 women-led enterprises. The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Sridhar Vembu, Founder & CEO of Zoho Corporation, who delivered a special address, Swaady Martin, Serial Entrepreneur, and Anu Hasan, Actor, Author & Entrepreneur.
Speaking about her autobiography, Dr. Kalpana Sankar, shared, “The purpose of my autobiography extends beyond sharing my personal journey; it is to inspire a new generation of changemakers in India, who hold the potential to create meaningful impact. I want to share that gender should never be a barrier for women aspiring to fulfil their entrepreneurial dreams. By recounting my experiences, particularly my work with underserved communities, I seek to illuminate the challenges we face and emphasize how, through collective effort and determination, we can overcome societal biases, ascend to leadership roles, and make a difference.”
The Scientist Entrepreneur: Empowering Millions of Women is a source of inspiration and guidance for women willing to step forward and pursue their dreams in diverse fields, particularly entrepreneurship. In this book, Dr. Sankar, who is also the Managing Director of Belstar Microfinance and Chairperson of Hand in Hand India, recounts how she co-founded Hand in Hand India in a modest room in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, and the challenges she faced, including questions about her ability to lead organizations.
Speaking on the launch, former WHO Chief Scientist and Chairperson of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, said, “The autobiography is a testament to the family’s collective effort, with each member deeply committed to the book. It provides inspiration and enlightenment for anyone thinking about making a difference. It tells the story of someone who started with an idea and commitment, confronted reality, understood the needs, and adapted to the Hand in Hand approach. Dr. Kalpana learned from experience and refined her methods. The chapters in this autobiography will undoubtedly inspire many young women and men.”
The autobiography, published by Rupa Publications, vividly recounts Dr. Sankar’s journey of resilience and impact over the past two decades. Despite intense scrutiny at every turn, she has steadfastly built a remarkable NGO and a thriving business, both dedicated to empowering individuals through education and economic independence. It details how, as the Chairperson and Managing Trustee of Hand in Hand India, Dr. Sankar has facilitated financial inclusion for 4.15 million households and supported the establishment of over 112,000 women-led enterprises. In Tamil Nadu alone, her efforts have transformed the lives of 1.5 million women. Under her visionary leadership, Hand in Hand India has expanded its reach to 18 Indian states and numerous countries worldwide.
Sharing his thoughts on the autobiography, Sridhar Vembu, Founder & CEO of Zoho Corporation, said, “Dr. Sankar has done an amazing job, especially in transitioning from scientist to entrepreneur. The biggest economic problem was finance in business; people are trapped in it, and a lot of the public are devastated. The microfinance and affordable credit efforts of Dr. Sankar are commendable for her pioneering initiatives. The work she has done in microfinance is motivating. The autobiography is an example that should be shared with many people and reach a wide audience.”
The event featured an engaging fireside chat between Dr. Kalpana Sankar and Anu Hasan, actor, author, and entrepreneur, offering a glimpse into the author’s life, her journey, and the inspiration behind the autobiography.
Sharing her thoughts during the launch, Swaady Martin, Serial Entrepreneur said,“Dr. Kalpana Sankar’s life is a testament to commitment and passion. The autobiography is a message that inspires us to strive for a better world. I am honored to celebrate the story of one of the most inspiring women I have been blessed to meet. She is a visionary, a path-breaking change-maker committed to excellence. She has a remarkable vision for the future. She doesn’t just envision a better world; she actually creates it. She has overcome countless obstacles and broken stereotypes. There is so much more to share about her, but I encourage everyone to read the book.”
The autobiography offers a glimpse into her life, including a pivotal meeting with Swedish businessman and philanthropist Percy Barnevik in 2004. While married to a district collector in Coimbatore, Dr. Sankar met Barnevik, who witnessed firsthand the economic hardships in Kanchipuram. He asked her to manage a small charity aimed at eradicating child labor in Tamil Nadu. Together, they founded Hand in Hand India with the mission of providing financial security to impoverished women by creating sustainable jobs. Filled with anecdotes and reflections, Dr. Sankar illustrates how a clear vision, paired with relentless effort, can lead to meaningful change.
Dr. Sankar holds a PhD in nuclear physics, a doctorate in Women’s Studies and Self-Help Groups, and an Executive MBA from the prestigious TRIUM program, offered by NYU Stern School of Business, HEC Paris School of Management, and the London School of Economics. Transitioning from a nuclear scientist to an advocate for social development, she has become a pioneering force in financial inclusion and rural upliftment. Her remarkable contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award in Financial Inclusion for her transformative role in rural India, the Nari Shakti Puraskar from the President of India in 2017, and the Global Award for Women Empowerment from UN Women and the Kingdom of Bahrain in 2019.
The Scientist Entrepreneur: Empowering Millions of Women not only chronicles her inspirational journey but also serves as a call to action, encouraging young people to engage in social entrepreneurship and make a meaningful impact in underserved communities.