Desk Report:-
A new edition of the book “Small Loans, Big Dreams”, written by Grameen Foundation founder Alex Counts, is now available at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair. The book highlights the outstanding contributions of Nobel laureate Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, showcasing his significant role in microfinance and poverty alleviation.
On the front cover, Alex Counts inscribed, “How Nobel Prize Winner Muhammad Yunus and Microfinance Are Changing the World”, reflecting the transformative impact of Professor Yunus and his work with Grameen Bank.
First published in 2008, the Asian edition of “Small Loans, Big Dreams” has now been released for the first time, and it is being showcased at the book fair. The book describes the growth and innovation of microfinance in Bangladesh, led by Professor Yunus and Grameen Bank, and shares the story of how a marginalized woman was able to change her life by launching a small business through microfinance support.
Published by UPL, the book is available at their stall at the fair. UPL Director Mahrukh Mohiuddin mentioned to BSS that this is the first time the Asian edition of “Small Loans, Big Dreams” is being presented at the fair.
In addition to Alex Counts’ book, the UPL stall features several other titles by Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus. These include three of his books, one edited by him, and another book by Alex Counts titled “Muhammad Yunus, Grameen Bank and the Global Micro-Finance Revolution”. These books were previously displayed at the fair in past years.
In this new edition, Alex Counts discusses the history of microfinance, examining how Grameen Bank has adapted to challenges like economic recessions and environmental crises. He also addresses critics of the Grameen model, emphasizing the lasting impact of Professor Yunus’ visionary work.
The book explores how microfinance can reduce economic inequality, empowering the underprivileged to actively participate in the global economy. Alex Counts co-founded the Grameen Foundation with Dr. Muhammad Yunus in 1997, and he served as its president and CEO. Additionally, he was the President and CEO of the American India Foundation in 2016-17. During his time at Cornell University, he received the John F. Kennedy Memorial Award.
The UPL stall also features several other books on Professor Yunus, Grameen Bank, and microfinance, including:
“Banker to the Poor”: An autobiography of Muhammad Yunus.
“A World of Three Zeros: The New Economics of Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment, and Zero Net Carbon Emissions”: Written by Professor Yunus.
“Building Social Business: The New Kind of Capitalism that Serves Humanity’s Most Pressing Needs”: Written by Professor Yunus.
“Muhammad Yunus, Grameen Bank and the Global Micro-Finance Revolution”: Written by Alex Counts.
“Jorimon and Others: Faces of Poverty”: Edited by Professor Yunus.
These books, along with “Small Loans, Big Dreams”, offer valuable insights into the pioneering work of Professor Muhammad Yunus and the impact of microfinance in shaping a more inclusive world.
