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Venue: Juhu Campus, Santacruz (West), Mumbai Resource Person: Dr. Hiral Trivedi Pathak Affiliation: BSE / SEBI Securities Market Trainer

Introduction

Jankidevi Bajaj Institute of Management Studies organised a Financial Planning and Investor Awareness Seminar on 20th August 2026 at the Juhu Campus, Santacruz (West), Mumbai. The seminar was organised with the objective of creating awareness among students about the importance of financial literacy, systematic financial planning and informed investment decisions.

The session focused on developing students' understanding of personal finance and the importance of making responsible financial decisions at an early stage of their professional and personal lives. The seminar covered practical aspects of saving, financial planning, investment avenues, securities markets, mutual funds, taxation, cyber safety and investor protection.

The seminar also provided students with an opportunity to understand financial concepts from an investor's perspective and relate classroom knowledge to practical financial situations.

Speaker Profile

The session was conducted by Dr. Hiral Trivedi Pathak, a Securities Market Trainer associated with the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and empanelled with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) as a Securities Market Trainer (SMART).

Dr. Pathak is also empanelled with NSE, BSE, CDSL and NISM for conducting Investor Awareness Programmes across India. She has extensive experience in Accountancy, Finance and Financial Literacy and has conducted more than 300 Investor Awareness Programmes since February 2024.

She has more than 15 years of experience in delivering lectures in Accountancy and Finance for commerce and management institutions. She holds a Ph.D. in Commerce, with research in Microfinance, and is certified in NISM Series XII – Securities Market Foundation and NISM Series V-A – Mutual Fund.

Objectives of the Seminar

The primary objective of the seminar was to improve students' understanding of personal finance, financial planning and investment and to help them make informed financial decisions as they begin their professional careers.

The specific objectives of the seminar were:

• To develop financial literacy and awareness among students.
• To understand the importance of saving and systematic financial planning.
• To introduce students to different investment avenues.
• To provide an understanding of the basic functioning of the securities market.
• To create awareness about mutual funds and Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs).
• To explain the importance of long-term investing and the power of compounding.
• To create awareness about financial fraud, online scams and cyber safety.
• To educate students about investor protection and relevant SEBI initiatives.

Topics Covered

The seminar covered a wide range of topics related to financial planning and investor awareness.

a. Smart Saving Strategies

The session highlighted the importance of developing disciplined saving habits from an early stage. Students were encouraged to understand their income and expenses and develop financial discipline.

b. Personal Financial Planning

The speaker explained the importance of setting financial goals and preparing a systematic plan to achieve them. Students were made aware of how effective financial planning can help individuals manage their resources and prepare for future financial requirements.

c. Tax Planning and Tax Saving

The session introduced students to the importance of tax planning and understanding available tax-saving opportunities while preparing their overall financial plans.

d. Basics of Investing

Students were introduced to the fundamental concepts of investment. Emphasis was placed on understanding an investment option properly before investing and making informed and responsible investment decisions.

e. Mutual Funds and SIPs

The seminar introduced the concepts of mutual funds and Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs). The speaker also discussed diversification and the importance of maintaining a long-term approach towards wealth creation.

f. Power of Compounding

The concept of compounding was explained as an important principle of long-term wealth creation. Students learned how regular and disciplined investment over a longer period can contribute towards financial growth.

g. IPOs and Capital Markets

Students were introduced to Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and capital markets. The session provided a basic understanding of how companies raise capital and how investors participate in the capital market.

h. Financial Fraud and Cyber Safety

An important component of the seminar focused on financial fraud and cyber safety. Students were advised to remain cautious while undertaking online financial transactions and sharing personal or financial information.

i. Investor Protection and Securities Market Awareness

The speaker discussed investor protection mechanisms and initiatives aimed at promoting safe and informed participation in financial markets. Students were encouraged to understand their rights and responsibilities as investors.

The session also focused on “The Securities Market – Level 1: Understanding them from an Investor's Perspective,” providing students with a basic understanding of the functioning of the securities market and the importance of knowledge-based investment decisions.

Key Learnings and Outcomes

The seminar provided students with practical insights into financial planning and responsible investment practices. The interactive approach adopted by the resource person, along with practical examples, helped students understand financial concepts in a simple and relatable manner.

Key Learnings

The major learnings from the seminar included:

• The importance of beginning financial planning at an early stage.
• The role of regular saving in developing financial discipline.
• The importance of understanding an investment option before investing.
• The significance of adopting a long-term approach towards wealth creation.
• The role of diversification in managing investment risk.
• Understanding the basic functioning of securities and capital markets.
• Awareness of mutual funds and SIPs as investment avenues.
• Understanding the power of compounding over the long term.
• The importance of being alert to financial fraud and online scams.
• Awareness of investor rights and available protection mechanisms.
• The importance of financial literacy in making responsible personal and professional financial decisions.

Outcomes

The seminar successfully created awareness among students about financial planning and responsible investing. It provided them with an opportunity to understand financial concepts that are relevant not only to their future professional careers but also to their personal financial lives.

The practical examples shared during the session helped students connect theoretical financial concepts with real-life situations. The seminar also encouraged students to develop responsible financial habits and become more confident in making financial decisions in the future.

The session included an online MCQ assessment to assess participants' understanding of the topics covered. Eligible participants were also informed about the provision of e-certificates upon completion of the required assessment.

Conclusion

The Financial Planning and Investor Awareness Seminar was an informative and valuable learning initiative for the students of Jankidevi Bajaj Institute of Management Studies.

The seminar successfully addressed several important aspects of financial awareness, including saving, personal financial planning, taxation, investment, mutual funds, SIPs, compounding, IPOs, capital markets, cyber safety and investor protection.

The session highlighted the importance of developing financial awareness before entering professional life and encouraged students to adopt responsible and informed financial practices. The interaction with an experienced Securities Market Trainer also provided students with practical exposure to financial concepts from an investor's perspective.

Overall, the seminar was a meaningful initiative towards developing financially aware, responsible and investment-conscious young professionals.

Acknowledgement

Jankidevi Bajaj Institute of Management Studies sincerely thanks Dr. Hiral Trivedi Pathak for conducting the seminar and sharing her valuable expertise.

The institute expresses its gratitude to Prof. Dr. Mahesh V. Shitole, Director, for his guidance and support, and to Ms. Daanya Katerwala, Training and Placement Officer, for coordinating and managing the programme.The institute also appreciates the support of the faculty, administrative team and students for contributing to the successful conduct of the programme.

We also extend our sincere thanks to Jankidevi Bajaj Institute of Management Studies and SNDT Women’s University for providing us with the opportunity and support to organise this enriching seminar for our students.