Chandrima is an inspiration to many, helping out her neighbours while making ends meet. The nineteen-year-old lives in the labyrinthine lanes of Kolkata’s urban slum, with her parents and a younger sister. Her father works in a bookstore and her mother is involved with petty business.

Chandrima used to be a member of the Aflatoun saving club, before becoming a mentor herself. Through training sessions and workshops she learned the concepts of money management and was quick to realise the importance of saving. She opened a bank account and advocated its advantages among her peer community.

The young entrepreneur always tries to put into practice what she learned about saving and budgeting. As a result, she has been able to purchase a sewing machine for her small enterprise. Chandrima manufactures kids’ garments and sells them with a profit to pay for her education. The Bachelor of Commerce student hopes to become a cost accountant once she has finished her degree.