Bandhan Bank MD Chandra Shekhar Ghosh shares flip side of his life

Childhood’s Fondest Memory
It was struggle all along. But there was one incident which can’t be forgotten. It was monsoon and I was playing by the river with my friends and one of them had pushed me into the river not knowing that I can’t swim. Not knowing swimming is something very unusual for village kids. So, nobody had noticed me initially. I was about to drown but, fortunately, someone saved me at the last minute. So, this is my second life!

Lesson from a Teacher
I have learnt to wear dhoti from a Maharaj at Ramakrishna Mission during my college days. I am pretty good at it today and I am the one who always helps other family members to wear it on special occasions.

Role Model
There was no role model but I was moved by the discipline practised by Maharajs at Ramakrishna Mission in everything they do.

First Day at Work
A few days before my joining BRAC (a development organisation in Bangladesh), a tragedy killed several people and there was a certain Chandra Shekhar Ghosh in the list of deceased. So, when I joined, the mood was like “oh you didn’t die!”

Moment that Lifted Hope
I came to Kolkata in 1998 and started working at a knitting factory. Within a year, I joined Village Financial Services, a microfinance company. This was my moment to realise how MFIs can help free women from the clutches of moneylenders.

Hobby
Listening to people. I am a keen listener. Also like to listen to Rabindra Sangeet and Bhupen Hazarika, Manna Dey.

Advice to Youngsters
Have courage to live your dream. Be ready to work hard and success will follow automatically. And don’t ever forget your roots.

Work/Life Balance
I failed in this regard. Now, I feel I should have spent more time with my family. With Bandhan Bank gaining stability, I am trying to amend it.

Favourite Author
Saratchandra Chattopadhyay, who captured rural Bengal the best. And also Ashapurna Devi who depicted that no change in society takes place overnight. Reform is a long drawn process.

Life after retirement
Nothing in the financial field. I will devote my time in social work.