The distinguished guests gracing the occasion included Dr C.S. Mohapatra, IEPFA Distinguished Chair, NCAER; Ms. Aprajita Sharma, Asst. Editor, Mint; Mr Amit Kumar Singh, Member, FLC University of Delhi; Mr Abhishek Bondia, Co-Founder SecureNow Insurance Broker Pvt. Ltd.; and Mr Gangesh Varma, Principal Associate, Saraf and Partners.

The inaugural session of the workshop had the invited guests being joined by Dr V.N. Bajpai, Director, I.T.S Ghaziabad; Shri Surinder Sood, Director (PR), I.T.S The Education Group and Dr Timira Shukla, Director, I.T.S. School of Management. Dr Bajpai welcomed all to the day’s programme with the confidence that the workshop would enable all present to be better informed, empowered and smart as investors. Shri Sood pointed out that India was poised for a period of significant growth. He reminded everyone that the imperative was to create wealth and not just money. Dr Rajeev Johari, convener of the session, thanked all for their presence and hoped that the endeavour would be fruitful.

The workshop witnessed the assorted personalities putting forth their views on diverse issues. Dr Mohapatra took the lead, mentioning that the government, the finance sector and the investing public need to be on the same page for the greater good of all. Ms. Sharma focused on the insurance sector, throwing light on issues like claims and index based mutual funds. Mr Bondia dealt with data literacy while Mr Singh referred to various instruments of investment, cautioning about pitfalls like ponzi schemes and chit funds. Mr Verma discussed much needed information on data protection.

The eager students had numerous queries regarding markets and investment, which were patiently explained by the dignitaries on stage. It was a very energizing session which left all present looking forward to further interactions in future.