Building Capital Within Communities

A group of women and children, dressed in colorful traditional clothing, gather outdoors on an orange mat, engaging in a collaborative drawing activity on large sheets of paper. The scene is lively, with people of different ages participating—some sketching, others observing, and a few pointing at the drawings. The background shows a densely populated area with makeshift structures and people engaged in various activities.

At Prana, we believe in the inherent potential within every community. We strengthen economic systems, cultivate values-driven leadership, and co-create solutions that foster lasting renewal. By recognizing and stewarding the gifts already present, we help communities build financial, social, and human capital for a flourishing future.

Our Vision

Thriving communities overcoming poverty and building sustainable futures together.

Prana’s journey began when the founder Amit, visited his home town, Kolkata, in 2006. Having grown up there before moving to the U.S. for school, he had built a successful career and started a family. 
While on holiday, he stepped out of a store and witnessed a woman desperately shielding her baby from the scorching sun while begging. He was struck by the stark contrast between life in the U.S. and Kolkata, noting that the woman’s child was a similar age to his own son. Spending the equivalent of $30 was enough to sustain this family for a month.  
Deeply moved, and inspired by the founder of Grameen Bank and the microfinance movement, Professor Muhammad Yunus, he took action, writing a business plan on the flight back to the U.S. Within three months, a microfinance initiative was launched in Kolkata creating real change for numerous families. 
His aim was to provide economic opportunities to empower individuals with a “hand-up” rather than a handout. Prana International was born. 
This is a close-up shot of a smiling woman sitting amidst lush green leafy plants in what appears to be a garden or agricultural setting. She is wearing a colorful headscarf with pink, green, and yellow patterns, and a blue top underneath. A vibrant pink shawl or sari with large green leaf-like designs is draped over her shoulders. Her skin tone appears to be medium to dark. The background is softly blurred, suggesting more greenery and possibly some trees, indicating an outdoor environment. The overall lighting suggests it is daytime.

"When we want to help the poor, we should not think of it as charity. Charity is not a solution to poverty. It only perpetuates poverty by taking away the initiative of the poor."

- Professor Muhammad Yunus

Founder of Grameen Bank

Our Core Values

  • Support for Local Expertise

  • Sustainable Economic Empowerment

  • Community-Led Development

  • Dignity-First Approach

  • Integrity Meets Accountability

About Prana

A red flame symbolizing energy and transformation over blue leaves indicating growth and sustainability.

"Prana," meaning “life” or “life force” in Sanskrit, reflects our mission to revitalize communities and create sustainable opportunities that bring lasting transformation. At the heart of our work is the belief that true empowerment comes from the renewal of individuals and communities, fostering growth, resilience, and hope. Just as a life force energizes and sustains, we seek to work with communities in a way that encourages growth, believing that positive change comes through strength in unity and purpose.