Event Report: Investor Awareness Programme

The Investor Awareness Programme, conducted by the University School of Law & Legal Studies at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University in collaboration with NSE and SEBI, was an enlightening session held on 9th September 2025 in Conference Room, C-412. The keynote address delivered by Mr. Pawan Kumar Bhardwaj, Senior Manager, Regulatory Operations at NSE India, unlocked the complexities of the Indian capital market for students and aspiring investors.

Mr. Bhardwaj began by tracing the transformation of capital markets in India, moving from broker-dominated, opaque systems in the pre -1990s to a modern era distinguished by electronic trading, strong risk controls, and robust investor protection, following the establishment of SEBI and NSE. By using everyday analogies, he likened the capital market to a typical marketplace and explained that owning a share is akin to holding a slice of a pizza owning a part of the company’s earnings and future potential. This relatable approach helped demystify key concepts for newcomers to investing.

He further elaborated on the differences between the primary and secondary markets, and stressed the importance of knowing when an investor is buying directly from the company (in an IPO) versus trading with other investors. Mr. Bhardwaj clarified the nature of active versus passive investing with practical examples, highlighting the balance between striving to outperform the market and harnessing the benefits of patient, broad-based investing through index funds or ETFs.

The session included step-by-step guidance on opening Demat and trading accounts, emphasizing due diligence in selecting brokers and understanding key documents like contract notes. He explained the margin pledge mechanism, which enhances investor safety by ensuring proper collateralization of securities, and cautioned attendees to continually monitor their statements and avoid keeping idle funds with brokers. Linking market fluctuations to real-world events such as the global financial crisis and significant policy changes, Mr. Bhardwaj underscored that, despite inevitable volatility, long-term investing in quality assets can yield significant rewards. He closed by sharing timeless advice from renowned investors, prioritizing careful research and a disciplined approach over speculation.

The interactive session concluded with an engaging quiz, where the top three scorers were awarded prizes, adding excitement and reinforcing learning. This programme not only promoted financial literacy but also inspired confidence and action among participants, setting a strong benchmark for investor education initiatives on campus.