Investing in Financial Literacy: SEBI’s Initiative at the CII Chandigarh Fair
Chandigarh, 27 October 2024: CII Chandigarh Fair 2024 has witnessed an innovative presence by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) this year, bringing a renewed focus on financial literacy. Under SEBI’s guidance, the Capital Markets Pavilion—featuring partners like NSE, BSE, CDSL, NSDL, MCX, MSEI, NCDEX, and AMFI—has drawn significant interest from the public. The pavilion showcases live demonstrations, interactive seminars, educational games, and a Grievance Redressal Helpdesk, all designed to empower visitors with critical insights into financial markets and products.
As Assistant General Manager Ravindra Kumar explained, SEBI’s commitment to financial awareness is aimed at promoting a culture of informed investing. With over 20 years of experience, Kumar emphasized that SEBI’s mission at CII Chandigarh Fair was to demystify the complexities of financial markets for all, from young investors to seasoned stakeholders. He noted, “Soch kar, samajh kar investe kar”—a guiding motto encouraging people to invest carefully and responsibly. According to him, one of SEBI’s primary goals is to inform the public about the array of bodies it regulates, such as stock exchanges and depositories, enhancing transparency and trust in financial dealings.
The SEBI stall was a hub of engagement, featuring resources like informative brochures, interactive display screens, and live workshops that detailed financial planning, investment basics, and fraud prevention. SEBI collaborated with stock exchanges and market infrastructure institutions to organize engaging activities, including quizzes, word puzzles, and games, which offered certificates and prizes to winners. These activities not only tested participants’ financial knowledge but also provided a memorable learning experience.
Perspectives from Participants
For 20-year-old Mukul, a finance enthusiast, SEBI’s pavilion proved to be a gateway into an entirely new dimension of investing. While Mukul was already invested in equity shares of prominent companies like Tata and ICC, he was intrigued by an introductory seminar on agricultural commodity exchanges. Previously unfamiliar with the concept, he realized how such investments could benefit both local farmers and investors like himself. He left with a renewed determination to explore diversified financial options that not only grow his portfolio but also contribute to positive social impact.
Another visitor, 30-year-old Iti Bedi from NCDEX, attending her first SEBI-led event, shared that she was struck by the substantial knowledge gap among visitors, particularly students, regarding basic financial instruments. Bedi found SEBI’s hands-on approach—through quizzes, practical sessions, and interactive word puzzles—an effective strategy for enhancing financial awareness. She also appreciated the pavilion’s emphasis on clarifying the roles of key financial institutions like NSDL and BSE, and how they fit within the larger investment ecosystem. Inspired by the experience, Bedi was eager to advocate for greater financial education among young audiences and her community.
For SEBI, this engagement at the CII Chandigarh Fair represents more than outreach—it’s part of a larger mission to position itself as both a regulatory body and a trusted educational resource. By reaching audiences directly in a public space, SEBI is making strides in fostering financial literacy, ultimately contributing to a more financially empowered society. As Kumar summarized, “Empowering individuals with the right knowledge is the first step towards a secure financial future. SEBI is here to guide them on that path.”
