Financial Planning and Investments.

The Finance Club of IIIM – White Knight organized a workshop on December 2, 2025 on the theme of Financial Planning and Investments. Professor A. R. Tripathi from Banaras Hindu University guided the participants through India’s transition from a public‑heavy mixed economy to a structure where private participation plays a major role. He highlighted how the securities scam paved the way for SEBI, shaping a more transparent and accountable capital market. The session stressed that an investor’s greatest safeguard is awareness, as ignorance opens the door to financial deceit. Linking ancient Indian ideals of Dharma, Artha, Kaam and Moksh, he emphasized that life goals can only be achieved when one understands the role of finance and adopts discipline in managing money.

Professor Tripathi explained that debt is only meaningful when productivity exceeds liability, and reminded that India’s cultural foundation is built on savings. But saving alone is not enough—wealth grows when savings multiply through thoughtful investment, a point beautifully connected to Krishna’s message in the Gita that ‘Yog’—the art of meaningful addition—is essential for progress, much like the disciplined multiplication of savings through wise investments. Budgeting was described as an art that ensures savings come first, followed by expenditure, reinforcing the idea that sacrifice today enables wealth creation tomorrow. Only what remains after saving should be spent.

The workshop introduced key investment avenues in India, including bank and post office deposits, mutual funds, equities, government securities, real estate, insurance‑linked plans, gold and digital gold, and emerging options like REITs, InvITs and the National Pension System. Proper financial planning, he noted, rests on diversification, asset allocation, maintaining an emergency fund, adequate insurance and regular portfolio reviews. The session concluded with a powerful message: disciplined saving, informed investing and consistent risk management together form the pathway to long‑term financial security and growth.