Author Archive
Part 2: The Issues, Players and Outcome
In the past few months, the Indian microfinance industry has learned that not all publicity is good publicity. A few Kiva Fellows wanted to learn what the issues were, and what can be done to prevent them in the future. We will present our findings in a series of blog postings over the coming days. Given the inherent complexities, the multiple viewpoints and an ever changing political and legal landscape, our work is only intended to provide a top-level summary of the situation as it stands now. If you are interested in learning more about microfinance in India, we encourage you to explore these issues beyond what is presented, and to draw your own conclusion.
Expectations vs. Reality
By: Abhishek Banerjee, KF13, Armenia
As my fellowship at SEF International comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on my experience. I compare it to the expectations I had before arriving in Yerevan and to the experiences the other fellows have had in their respective countries. While I knew very little about Armenia before coming here, I had read everything (not much!) I could find. Some of my expectations were fully surpassed. Others helped me understand the problems the country faces going forward.
No Place Like Home
By Abhishek Banerjee, KF13, Armenia
This is the first Christmas I will be spending away from home. Even though I left home at 18 and have spent a lot of time travelling on my own, I have always made it back in time for the holidays. This time around, I will be celebrating with a bunch of expats and some Armenians who find Christmas on December 25th to be amusing enough to get involved.
You see, Armenians follows the Gregorian calendar and as such, Christmas falls on January 6th. As a result, December 25th is just another day for most Armenians. Occasionally, someone will see a foreigner like myself and say ‘Merry Christmas!’, if only to see my reaction. As I sit here on the evening of December 24th, I can’t help but think about Christmas back home.
Goodbye Mr. Socialism
In 1991, the Soviet Union broke apart and Armenia re-established its independence. However, remnants of its Soviet history can be found throughout the country. Major infrastructure projects implemented under Soviet leadership still stand tall throughout the cities. One of the more interesting transformations across Yerevan has been the emergence of markets in former industrial or commercial buildings.
Devil is in the Execution
By Abhishek Banerjee, KF13 Armenia
Spending the last couple of days in the beautiful landscape of rural Armenia has left me in awe. It has also given me an appreciation for the role that loan officers play in often trying circumstances to get their job done.
