Bandhan, which  means togetherness, started helping economically disadvantaged women in 2001.  It currently has a microfinance client base of 2.5 million spread across 15 Indian states. Apart from its mirofinance activities, Bandhan also supports development activities in health, livelihood and education.  In 2007, Forbes Magazine ranked Bandhan as the best performing MFI in India and the second best in the world.  It was also awarded the Pro Poor Innovation Challenge (PPIC) by CGAP in 2008.