Swadhaar trainers (In picture: Roshan Nag) conducting comprehensive financial literacy training and dedicated follow-ups, ensuring sustained financial knowledge and confidence.
When Roshan Nag, a trainer with Swadhaar FinAccess, started bringing basic financial literacy to a community that had long been disconnected from banking services, he faced initial resistance. The villagers of Rania, a remote and Insurgency-affected block in Jharkhand, were sceptical and hesitant to engage with the banking system that had disappointed them so many times before.
Yet, Roshan persisted. He spoke to them about their financial goals and dreams for their families, walked them through the process, helped them open accounts, and showed them how to navigate a system that had once seemed complicated and foreign. Over time, the community’s attitude shifted. They began to trust him, attending his sessions, and slowly but surely, they embraced the knowledge he was imparting. Today, thanks to Roshan’s
unwavering dedication, the people of Rania not only know how to use their bank accounts but also understand the broader financial landscape.
During the training, our trainers (In picture: Roshan Nag) ensure smooth client management, even going the extra mile by bringing back a client’s child who had run too close to traffic on the main road.
Today Roshan is a District-in Charge with Swadhaar, overseeing 14 trainers. Roshan’s journey is just one of many that highlight the profound impact of trainers at Swadhaar. As we celebrate Teacher’s Day, it’s important to recognise that education comes in many forms. While our trainers at Swadhaar may not teach in traditional classrooms, they work tirelessly to help communities learn and their impact is felt far and wide.
Swadhaar trainers provide tailored financial literacy support, catering to clients of all genders and diverse backgrounds, addressing their unique needs and challenges.
The Backbone of Swadhaar: Our Trainers
Swadhaar’s mission to improve financial literacy across India would be impossible without the efforts of our trainers. As of August 2024, Swadhaar has 397 trainers across Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, and they are the cornerstone of our initiatives. These individuals are more than just educators—they are community builders, mentors, and agents of change.
Their work extends far beyond the classroom. Whether guiding a rural community through the complexities of digital banking, as Roshan did or helping individuals avoid financial scams, our trainers are on the frontlines, ensuring that knowledge reaches those who need it most.
Since its inception, Swadhaar has trained over 6.8 million individuals, helping them gain the skills necessary to navigate the financial world with confidence. This outreach has been crucial in promoting financial inclusion and reducing inequality, particularly in underserved areas.
Swadhaar trainers evolve and grow, enhancing their skills and personal growth throughout their journey
Pawan Kumar is another Swadhaar trainer whose experience exemplifies the transformative power of training. Over the years, he has not only imparted financial knowledge but also learned valuable lessons himself. The challenges he faced in introducing banking services to rural communities helped him grow both personally and professionally. His role expanded as Swadhaar’s network grew, leading him to visit 44 different blocks in Jharkhand—a journey that boosted his confidence and leadership skills significantly.
Pawan is now a District In-Charge, overseeing three districts in Jharkhand: Khunti, Lohardaga, and Gumla. Reflecting on his journey, Pawan shares, “Swadhaar is an institution where you can build a career by learning the basics. If you work hard with a true heart, nothing can stop you from achieving success.”
Creating Transformative Change Through Financial Education
The success of Swadhaar’s interventions is built on the dedication and expertise of our trainers. They are the driving force behind the positive changes we see in the communities we serve. By fostering trust, providing practical knowledge, and offering continuous support, our trainers help individuals and households move from financial exclusion to inclusion. They are not just imparting skills but building a foundation for economic empowerment.
Swadhaar’s vision for the future is to expand its reach and deepen its impact. With our trainers at the helm, we are confident that we can continue to empower more individuals across India. As we celebrate Teacher’s Day, we express our deepest gratitude to all the trainers dedicated to this cause.