Kashmir University VC champions financial literacy

Srinagar, July 15: To promote financial literacy and empower the community with the knowledge and skills needed for effective financial management and prosperity, the Department of Management Studies, University of Kashmir (KU), in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), organised an ‘Investor Awareness Programme’ here Monday.

A statement of KU issued here said that full-time members of SEBI, senior executives of AMFI, representatives from various banks, investors, university officers, faculty, scholars and students participated in the event titled ‘Financial Wisdom Tools for Prosperity’.

Highlighting the critical importance of financial management, KU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan, urged participants, particularly the youth, to actively engage in awareness activities and seize the opportunities presented by such programmes.

“Finance and budget management are crucial for both personal and institutional success,” she said, adding that participating in such awareness activities and learning financial regulation will be highly beneficial for future start-ups and entrepreneurs.

She suggested the establishment of a dedicated cell or centre for financial literacy within the campus to connect with the community and stakeholders.

“We will extend these programmes across satellite campuses and affiliated colleges, so that students gain valuable insights and understand models of financial management through financial literacy programmes,” she maintained.

Emphasising the necessity of financial management in everyday life, KU Registrar, Prof Naseer Iqbal, pointed out the universal aspiration for financial betterment and the essential role of financial wisdom and training in achieving this.

“Corporations the world over achieve their desired targets through financial wisdom and training. If today we have a better understanding, tomorrow we can lead better and prosperous lives,” he said.

In his talk titled, ‘From Personal Savings to Investment – My Story’, full-time member of SEBI, Ashwani Bhatia, underlined the significance of financial awareness and regulatory frameworks in today’s economic environment.

He underscored the need to “invest in yourself”, saying: “If your foundation is strong, your life is strong.” He encouraged the participants to invest in mutual funds early on to “take the benefits of compounding.”

Chief Executive, AMFI, Venkat Nageshwer, emphasised the crucial role of mutual funds and other investment tools in achieving financial stability.

“Understanding the dynamics of investment and the tools available is key to building a secure financial future,” he said.

Head of the Department of Management Studies, Prof Bashir Ahmad Joo, highlighted the importance of financial education in today’s dynamic economic environment.

“Our goal is to equip our students and community with the tools and knowledge necessary to make informed financial decisions that lead to sustainable prosperity,” he said.

Regional Director, SEBI, Amit Pradhan; Senior Consultant, AMFI, Surya Kant Sharma, AGM, SEBI, W Sarna; Chief Compliance Officer, NSE, Ankit Sharma; AGM, BSE, Ravindra Plande; President JK Bank, Shabir Ahmad Bhat and senior officials of SBI also attended the programme.