Teams from so many different schools and curriculums came together for two days for an enquiry based approach to understanding business and finance events. We launched right into the competition which tested and developed our ‘Power of Why’. The event began with a round which required teams to collaboratively present an astute analysis of a case study – why Indigo succeeded while Jet Airways failed. By making appropriate connections to business concepts and using sound judgement, we provided a policy solution for Jet Airways to come out of bankruptcy, and we were delighted to secure the first place in this event.

The second round comprised of an unconventional quiz, that tested our general knowledge of businesses, firms and current affairs. The simplicity yet weirdness of the questions was quite amusing, and solving the riddles in the quiz was like solving a puzzle which definitely got our mental engines running.

The third round, which continued till the second day, was perhaps the most invigorating. Called ‘Bulls and Bears, round 3 was a stock market simulation. And, by a simulation I mean an actual simulation, with each team being stock buyers, the coordinators being the stock exchange, and actual Nasdaq companies for sale. Through rumors, live demand and supply, and changes in share prices, this simulation closely mirrored an actual stock market. The bustle in the room by day 2 looked like an intellectual pandemonium, with team members running from one desk to another to check the live prices and buy or sell their shares. To excel in this round, we had to consider a range of factors like herd mentality and company prospects. What’s more, we had to think on our feet – almost literally. While this was an incredible way of learning the nuances of stock market dealings and an excellent opportunity to understand the stock market so deeply, this was also a lot of fun!

All these events were accompanied by the development of beautiful and poignant graffiti pieces on Money Matters Matter. Business and finance do not operate in vacuum, rather they interact closely with the society, the individual and culture, and what better medium to express this than art!

What was perhaps the most superb addition to this fest was the incredible stand-up comedy competition. Listening to students from all schools whine about relatable instances lifted the spirits of all in the room and gave a boost to the event. We also realized how nerve-wracking it can be to go up on stage and make everyone laugh!

All in all, this was an amazing, fun-filled and productive event, especially in a day and age where more and more believe that commerce education is essential for young minds who will be entrepreneurs, investors, economists and breadwinners of tomorrow.

—Gariyasi Garg