The Financial Literacy & Financial Planning Session was conducted specifically for 2nd and 3rd year B.A. (H) Economics students to guide them in understanding career opportunities aligned with their academic background. The session was conducted by CS Amit Shankar.
The session commenced with an engaging discussion on why financial planning is essential in today’s world. The resource person emphasized that financial security is not just a matter of earning money but of managing, growing, and protecting it wisely. Students were encouraged to view financial planning as a life skill rather than a subject of academic study alone.
A significant portion of the session was dedicated to the concept of early financial planning. CS Amit Shankar illustrated with practical examples how starting investments at an early age leads to substantially better returns through the power of compounding. Students were shown comparative analyses of investment scenarios to understand the difference between starting early versus delaying financial decisions.
The session then covered a range of basic financial tools and investment instruments. Topics included Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), Mutual Funds, Fixed Deposits (FDs), Public Provident Fund (PPF), and insurance-linked savings products. The resource person explained the mechanism, risk profile, and return potential of each instrument in a simplified manner, making it accessible for students with limited prior exposure to finance.
In the latter part of the session, CS Amit Shankar briefed students on professional certification courses offered by NISM (National Institute of Securities Markets). He highlighted how NISM certifications can open career pathways in the securities market, wealth management, and financial advisory domains. The session concluded with a Q&A segment where students actively engaged with the speaker on topics ranging from investment strategies to career prospects in the financial sector.