Investor Awareness Program on Mutual Funds (Online)
As part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to promote financial literacy among students, the School of Business and Management (BBA), CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus – The Hub of Analytics – organized an Investor Awareness Program on Mutual Funds (Online) on 22nd and 24th September 2025 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. The session, which took place in the Seminar Hall, Management Block, was conducted in hybrid mode, with students gathering on campus while the resource person joined via Zoom. This initiative was designed to equip students with essential knowledge about financial planning, investment options, and specifically the functioning of mutual funds as a key investment avenue.
The program was targeted at third-year BBA students, with a total of 230 participants attending the two-day session. The session was facilitated by Mr. Rahul Dhawan, an experienced financial advisor and industry expert, who brought practical insights into investment decision-making. The event was coordinated by Dr. Monica, with class teachers involved, ensuring smooth organization directly through departmental efforts.
The session began with an introduction to the broader concept of financial literacy, stressing the importance of informed decision-making in personal finance. Mr. Dhawan emphasized how financial literacy is not only a tool for personal growth but also a critical life skill that impacts long-term security and well-being. By framing the discussion in this larger context, students immediately understood the relevance of the program to their own lives and future careers.
The core part of the program was devoted to explaining how mutual funds work. Mr. Dhawan provided a clear, step-by-step explanation of the mechanism through which investors pool money, which is then managed by professionals and invested in a diversified portfolio. Students were introduced to the concepts of risk diversification, returns, and the role of fund managers in maximizing investment outcomes.
The resource person also outlined the different types of mutual funds, such as small-cap, mid-cap, large-cap, and multi-cap funds. Each category was explained in terms of its risk-return profile, investment horizon, and suitability for different types of investors. A special focus was given to tax-saving mutual funds (ELSS), highlighting their dual benefit of wealth creation and tax exemption under the Income Tax Act. This part of the discussion was particularly valuable for students as it linked investment planning to broader financial management strategies.
While the central focus was on mutual funds, Mr. Dhawan briefly introduced other investment avenues such as fixed deposits, equities, and government bonds to help students compare and understand the unique benefits of mutual funds. He specifically cited examples from DSP Mutual Fund, explaining how its performance and investment strategies could potentially generate better returns while also addressing different investor needs.
The online format, conducted via Zoom, allowed for interactive engagement. Students asked questions about risk assessment, systematic investment plans (SIPs), and how to begin investing as young professionals. The Q&A segment ensured that the session was not only informative but also practical and tailored to student concerns.
Overall, the Investor Awareness Program successfully achieved its objective of increasing financial literacy among students and familiarizing them with mutual funds as a key investment option. The program helped demystify technical financial concepts, making them accessible and actionable for the participants. By focusing on practical applications, tax-saving benefits, and real-world fund examples, the session bridged the gap between academic knowledge and real-life financial decision-making.
In conclusion, the program made a strong impact on the third-year BBA students by empowering them with the knowledge and confidence to make informed investment choices. It also set the stage for integrating financial literacy more deeply into the department’s co-curricular activities, ensuring that students graduate with both academic competence and essential life skills in personal finance.
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