Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University) hosted an insightful Financial Literacy Awareness Seminar titled “MEGA RISA – Regional Investor Seminar for Awareness: Shikshit se Saksham”. The programme was organised by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in collaboration with Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). The seminar was sponsored by National Stock Exchange of India (NSE), National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL), National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX), Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), Metropolitan Stock Exchange of India (MSE), and Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX).
The seminar was graced by Ms. Yatri Dave Vitekar, Chief Vigilance Officer, SEBI, as the Chief Guest, and Sh. Vijayant Kumar Verma, Regional Director, SEBI, as the Guest of Honour. Other distinguished speakers included Ms. Deepti Agrawal, Chief General Manager, SEBI; Sh. Sudhish Pillai, Head, Investor Protection Fund, CDSL; and Sh. Gaurav Kapoor, Senior Vice President, BSE. From the host institution, Prof. Shobhna Dhiman, Registrar, PEC, was present.
The programme commenced with Sh. Gaurav Kapoor, who provided an overview of BSE and its functioning, emphasizing the importance of securities market awareness, access to authentic information, and the role of investors in making responsible and informed decisions.
Sh. Sudhish Pillai highlighted the need to curb misinformation and encouraged investors to take informed decisions rather than impulsive actions. He stressed structured participation in capital markets as a catalyst for broader economic growth and underscored key principles such as Start Early, Start Right, Respect Risk, and Verify Before Investing. He also spoke about the growing role of technology and artificial intelligence in enabling informed and self-reliant investors.
In an engaging and interactive session, Ms. Deepti Agrawal spoke on investment awareness, market expansion, and the increasing participation of young investors. Referring to investor surveys, she encouraged participants to develop, invest, and protect the markets, reiterating that capital markets are inclusive and meant for all sections of society.
Sh. Vijayant Kumar Verma screened awareness videos focusing on investor safety and the importance of verification before investing. He elaborated on the evolution of capital markets, digitalisation for enhanced accessibility, and ease of participation, describing India as an “Island of Hope” in the global investment landscape.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Ms. Yatri Dave Vitekar spoke on capital markets, trading mechanisms, and the democratisation of financial markets, emphasizing the critical role of financial literacy in empowering citizens and strengthening economic participation.
The day-long seminar featured interactive quizzes, practical sessions on financial planning, and discussions highlighting the importance of inculcating sound financial habits at an early age and within families. Participants actively engaged in multiple awareness activities conducted throughout the day, making the programme both informative and participatory. The seminar concluded with enthusiastic involvement from students, faculty, and staff, reaffirming a shared commitment to promoting financial literacy as a foundation for responsible investing and sustainable economic growth.
