EXPERT SESSION ON FINANCIAL LITERACY AND INVESTOR AWARENESS
An insightful and informative Expert Session on Financial Literacy and Investor Awareness was conducted on 06 December 2024 at the BGS Institute of Hotel Management. The session aimed to equip students with essential knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions and understand the intricacies of the stock market, savings, investments, and trading systems. The session was attended by the Third and First Semester students, and Faculty Members of BGSIHM. Our Principal Chef Eabin Mathew, inaugurated the session, emphasizing the importance of staying updated with Investment Trends and Decisions.
Financial Literacy and Investor Awareness are essential components of personal finance management that empower individuals to make informed decisions regarding their money, investments, and financial planning. Together, financial literacy and investor awareness help individuals make smarter financial decisions, avoid financial pitfalls, and take steps toward achieving financial independence and security.
Speaker Profile: Dr. Chitra C N
Dr. Chitra CN is a distinguished academician with over 22 years of teaching experience in Commerce and Management. She holds an impressive array of qualifications, including a Ph.D., M. Phil, MBA, M.Com., and PGDM. She is currently engaged as a Visiting Professor at various State and Deemed – to – be – Universities. Dr. Chitra is an accomplished researcher, having published numerous articles in National and International Journals, and has also presented over 40 research papers at prestigious National and International Seminars. She serves as a research guide for doctoral candidates at Mysore University. Her expertise extends to facilitating National Level Conferences, Faculty Development Programs, and industry-oriented workshops.
Dr. Chitra is a resource person for NSE, BSE, NSDL, AMCs, and CDSL. She has conducted Investor Awareness Programs (IAPs) in Universities, Corporations, and Public Sector Units, promoting Financial Literacy and Investment Knowledge. Dr. Chitra is deeply committed to skill development and industry collaboration. She has partnered with leading platforms such as NPTEL and Infosys Springboard to facilitate certification courses. She has also worked with FKCCI to implement industry-oriented certification programs and collaborated with Dell & Learning Links Foundation to introduce data analytics courses for students. With her vast expertise and passion for education, Dr. Chitra continues to empower students and professionals to excel in commerce, management, and beyond.
Key Highlights of the Session:
1. Investment Decisions: The session began with an overview of how crucial it is to make informed investment decisions, particularly for individuals who are new to the concept of investing. The expert emphasized the importance of assessing one’s financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon before making any decisions. It was also discussed how understanding the time value of money and inflation can significantly influence one’s investment strategy.
2. Savings and Investment Planning: The speaker discussed the fundamental difference between savings and investments, stressing that while savings are generally safe, investments are aimed at growing wealth over time. The expert shared various investment options, including traditional methods like fixed deposits and government bonds, and more dynamic choices such as mutual funds, stocks, and real estate.
3. Demat Account and Trading Account: A significant portion of the session was dedicated to explaining the process of opening a Demat account and a Trading account. The expert clarified that a Demat account is essential for holding securities in electronic form, and a Trading account is used to buy and sell these securities in the stock market. Steps involved in opening these accounts, including the required documentation and the importance of selecting a reputable broker, were thoroughly explained.
4. Understanding the Capital and Stock Markets: The expert delved into how the capital markets and stock markets operate, emphasizing the role of stock exchanges like the NSE (National Stock Exchange) and BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange) in enabling the buying and selling of shares. The session covered the fundamentals of equity, bonds, and derivatives, and the factors influencing stock market movements, such as company performance, market sentiment, and macroeconomic conditions. The expert also discussed the concept of risk management in the stock market, including strategies like diversification to mitigate potential losses. Students were encouraged to start small and educate themselves continuously to become confident investors.
The Expert Session concluded with a Q&A segment where students actively engaged with the speaker, seeking clarification on various aspects of financial planning, stock market investments, and the process of managing trading accounts. The expert provided detailed answers and encouraged students to start their financial literacy journey early, as financial independence is a key aspect of personal and professional growth.
