Aloysius Prakash Fernandez
Aloysius Prakash Fernandez | |
|---|---|
| Born | Karnataka, India |
| Alma mater | Central University of Karnataka; University of Louvain; University of Oxford |
| Occupation(s) | Economist, social activist |
| Years active | 1982–present |
| Known for | Microfinance, Self Help Groups in India |
| Notable work | Writings on rural finance and microfinance |
Aloysius Prakash Fernandez is a distinguished Indian economist and social activist who currently holds the position of Chairman at NABARD Financial Services Limited (NABFINS), a subsidiary entity backed by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and various Indian banking institutions. Widely acknowledged as a trailblazer in the fields of microfinance and Self Help Groups (SHGs) within India, he also fulfills the roles of executive director and member secretary at Myrada, an NGO dedicated to advancing poverty alleviation, gender equity, and social progress.
Originating from Karnataka, Fernandez earned his postgraduate qualification from the Central University of Karnataka. He further enhanced his expertise with advanced diplomas in Sociology and Research Methodology from the University of Louvain in Belgium, as well as Development Studies from Oxford University. His professional journey began with positions at Caritas India, the World Bank, and the Canadian International Development Agency before he settled back in Bengaluru in 1982.
Beyond his leadership at NABFINS, Fernandez functions as secretary of Myrada, serves as executive director at The Myrada Davinson Training Centre, and chairs Sanghamithra Rural Financial Services. An accomplished writer, he has contributed extensively to literature on rural finance and microfinance. In recognition of his impactful work, he was honored with the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2000 and also received the Caritas India Jubilee 2000 award.