Expanding Dr. Yunus' Sphere of Influence

Says Dr Yunus : The Daily Star Report Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Terming poverty an artificial problem created by society, Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus said access to credit should be recognised as a basic human right.

“Poverty is a fault in our system. Unfortunate people should not be held responsible for it; they are victims of this artificial problem created by society,” he said at a reception accorded to him at Lehman College of the City University of New York on Sunday.

The phenomenal success of micro-credit in various countries of the world has proved that the poverty-stricken people can do wonders if they are given opportunities, he added.

Lehman College President Dr Ricardo R Fernandez gave away the President’s Medal to Dr Yunus at the programme in recognition of his innovative economic ideas, humanitarian efforts, and contribution toward world peace, according to News World, a New York-based news agency.

Muslim Public Affairs Council of the USA also presented Human Security Award to him at another programme in New York the same day.

Dr Yunus, the founder of Grameen Bank, said two-thirds of people of the world have been deprived of credit facilities. As a result, they cannot participate in economy and this is a major cause of poverty.

These people can do wonders if they are given opportunities, he added.

Dr Yunus said three lakh women in rural areas are currently using Grameen Phone to earn a livelihood, but this business has become increasingly competitive.

So, the Grameen Bank is now planning to provide women with Internet facilities as another mode of business, he added.

He also said that Grameen Bank is the only bank whose shareholders are those who receive loans from it.

It is not possible to alleviate poverty through charity or donation, Dr Yunus said and stressed the need for social business, which can ensure the welfare of the people.

He also cited the investment of Danone in Bangladesh as an example of social business.

Lehman College of the City University of New York honoured Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus with the President’s Medal at a reception ceremony in New York on Sunday. The photo shows Dr Yunus holding the medal at the programme. Photo: News World

At the reception ceremoney hosted by the Muslim Public Affairs Council, Jewish religious leader Rabbi Mac Senior said Dr Muhammad Yunus could act as a bridge between Islam and other religions.

Islam is a religion of peace and the Holy Quran does not support terrorism, he said, adding that those carrying out terrorist activities in the name of Islam can never be friends of religion and humanity.

With thanks to Brother Shafi Chowdhury.