Priyanshu Mohanty 
A prominent personality in the microfinance sector, Mr. Gobinda Chandra Pattanaik is the managing director of Annapurna Finance. His impressive career spanning more than thirty years demonstrates a resolute dedication to initiating developmental projects and fostering the growth of microbusinesses. Known as a trailblazer in this field, his story goes beyond typical success stories to tell an engrossing tale of social involvement, empowerment, and long-term progress. Throughout his undergraduate years, Pattanaik actively participated in societal concerns and pursued academic goals in political science and law. His deep concern for marginalised populations served as a compass for his career trajectory. His inspiring leadership at Annapurna Finance is a sign of commercial expertise as well as a deep commitment to improving communities and paving the way for long-lasting social transformation and economic inclusion.
Under Mr. Pattanaik’s leadership, Annapurna Finance has evolved from its origins as a developmental organization named People’s Forum to become a leading NBFC-MFI in India. The institution, now managing a staggering portfolio of Rs 8,749.0 Cr in 1183 branches across 22 states, remains rooted in a socially responsible agenda. It places customer-centricity, women empowerment, and livelihood security at the core of its strategic positioning and product design.
Annapurna Finance’s innovative spirit is palpable in its pursuit of groundbreaking financial products like the Solar Rooftop Loan and the Just in Time Loan. By integrating cutting-edge technology into its services, Annapurna Finance ensures not just financial inclusivity but also actively contributes to a more sustainable and equitable future. The institution’s holistic commitment to community upliftment is evident in its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, focusing on healthcare, women and child development, education, and environmental sustainability.
Mr. Pattanaik’s leadership has been instrumental in charting Annapurna Finance’s remarkable journey. His accolades, including being honored as The Economic Times Most Inspiring CEO 2021 and recognized among Forbes India’s 100 Great People Managers of 2021, attest to his exceptional vision and impact in the microfinance landscape. Under his guidance, Annapurna Finance is now expanding its reach into semi-urban areas with a focus on the MSME product line. With an unyielding commitment to positive economic, social, and environmental impact, the institution continues to leverage innovation to foster meaningful change in the financial ecosystem.
In his address, Mr. Pattanaik advised young entrepreneurs, saying, “I have nearly travelled to many different nations and states, and everywhere I go, I see the brightest minds are from Odisha state. I will just share a few things to young entrepreneurs which is in the quest of wealth and success don’t forget 2 things your parents and your mother land.”
Gobinda Chandra Pattanaik’s visionary leadership and Annapurna Finance’s relentless pursuit of empowerment stand as beacons of hope, showcasing how a dedication to social responsibility can drive impactful transformation in society’s most vulnerable segments
