Dr. Mahendra P. Kalyankar is a young, dynamic officer in the Maharashtra Government, who has been awarded a doctorate (Ph.D.) for his in-depth study on the positive impact of Information Technology in Urban Co-operative Banks. A Gold Medalist in M.Sc. (Geology), Dr. Kalyankar worked as a lecturer in the Post Graduate Department of Geology at the Government Institute of Science, l Aurangabad, before joining as District Deputy Registrar of Co-operative Societies. Dr. Kalyankar also secured a distinction in Higher Diploma in Co-operative Management. He also worked as Divisional Joint Registrar Co-operative Societies, Mumbai Division. For nearly two decades, he has held various responsible positions associated with co-operative societies and urban co-operative banks (UCBs). He worked as Administrator / Liquidator of various co-operative banks besides being a Returning Officer for different co-operative banks and multi-state co-operative banks. Dr. Kalyankar`s in-depth exposure to the working of co-operative banks has enabled him to gain a thorough understanding of their working.

Dr. Kalyankar`s association with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) has further helped him gain an insight into the issues of inclusive finance and micro-finance.