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Vivek Tiwari – Architect of Financial Inclusion, Champion of the Underserved

Alumnus – JNV Gauri Ganj (Amethi-Sultanpur) | 1987–1994 Batch (PCB)
Founder & Managing Director – Satya Micro Capital Ltd | Visionary in Microfinance & Social Entrepreneurship

Early Foundations – A Navodaya Spark

When Vivek Tiwari stepped into the gates of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Gauri Ganj (Amethi-Sultanpur) in 1987, he entered an institution that was just beginning to write its legacy. Belonging to the 2nd batch of Navodaya students, his seven years (1987–1994) in JNV were not just about academics, but about imbibing values, resilience, and leadership qualities that would guide him throughout life.

The PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) stream polished his logical and scientific outlook, while the Navodaya hostel life taught him adaptability, empathy, and the importance of community. Surrounded by peers from varied social and economic backgrounds, Vivek discovered early that real progress means inclusive progress.

This Navodaya foundation sowed the first seeds of his future passion: building systems where no one is left behind.

Academic Journey – Blending Governance & Rural Development

After his schooling, Vivek pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science (1995–1998) at Allahabad University. Here, he delved into governance, policies, and the socio-political frameworks shaping India’s development.

But Vivek wanted more than theory—he wanted practical tools to transform rural lives. This led him to pursue a Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Management (PGDRM, 1998–2001) at the Institute of Engineering & Rural Technology (IERT), University of Allahabad.

This combination of political understanding and rural management expertise equipped him with a unique perspective: the ability to connect policy frameworks with grassroots implementation.

Professional Dawn – UNICEF & the Early Years of Microfinance

Vivek’s professional career began in 2000 with UNICEF, working in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) sector. This experience exposed him to the stark realities of rural India—limited financial access, vulnerable communities, and the urgent need for structural interventions.

Between 2000 and 2008, Vivek worked with multiple organizations in the microfinance and development sector, gradually becoming a recognized voice in financial inclusion and poverty alleviation. These years built his on-ground expertise and reinforced his belief that credit is not charity—it is empowerment.

Satin Creditcare Network – Scaling with Strategy

In 2008, Vivek joined Satin Creditcare Network Ltd (SCNL) as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Over the next eight years, he scripted one of the most remarkable growth stories in the microfinance sector.

  • Under his leadership, Satin’s portfolio expanded from ₹50 crore to ₹4,000 crore.
  • He introduced technology-driven frameworks for responsible lending and risk management.
  • He emphasized the importance of financial literacy and social entrepreneurship among borrowers.
  • He championed the Joint Liability Group (JLG) and Women Self Help Group (WSHG) models, giving millions of women access to formal credit.

As Vice Chairperson of MFIN (Microfinance Institutions Network), he also played a policy-shaping role, ensuring that the sector remained both sustainable and socially impactful.

At Satin, Vivek proved that scale and social good can co-exist when driven by vision.

Entrepreneurial Vision – Founding Satya Micro Capital Ltd

In 2016, Vivek took the bold step of starting his own venture: Satya Micro Capital Ltd. With a clear mission to create a responsible, technology-enabled, and inclusive microfinance institution, he redefined how financial services could reach India’s grassroots.

Today, Satya Micro Capital stands as a game-changer in financial inclusion:

  • 26 States covered across India.
  • 800+ branch offices, ensuring deep rural reach.
  • 60,000+ villages impacted.
  • 8,000+ employees, generating livelihoods while serving communities.
  • ₹20,000+ crore assets delivered, empowering millions of women entrepreneurs and low-income households.

Satya is not just a financial services company—it is a movement for dignity, empowerment, and opportunity.

Awards & Global Recognition

Vivek Tiwari’s leadership and contributions have been widely acknowledged:

  • Recognized as a Promising Entrepreneur of India 2021 by The Economic Times.
  • Recipient of the BFSI Leadership Award.
  • Honored with the Bharat Jyoti Award by the India International Friendship Society.

These recognitions celebrate his dual achievement: building a robust financial institution and making a transformative social impact.

Despite his high-profile stature, Vivek has never forgotten his Navodaya roots. He is known for:

  • Generous contributions and donations to Navodaya causes.
  • Offering guidance and mentorship to younger alumni navigating careers.
  • Supporting community-led initiatives with the same passion he invests in his business.

Many Navodayans see him not just as a successful entrepreneur, but as a mentor and role model, especially when it comes to big-scale financing, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

Legacy in the Making

From a Navodaya classroom in Gauri Ganj to the boardrooms of financial institutions, Vivek Tiwari’s journey is a testimony to what vision, discipline, and empathy can achieve.

He is not just creating a company—he is creating a legacy of financial inclusion that will empower generations. His story proves that the greatest measure of success is not personal wealth, but the millions of lives transformed through opportunity and dignity.

“Finance is not about money—it is about trust, dignity, and opportunity. My mission is to ensure that the poorest of the poor are never left behind in India’s growth story.” - Vivek Tiwari

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