FinAware: A Financial Literacy Session

Event Name: FinAware: A Financial Literacy Session

Objective:

1. To promote awareness of basic financial concepts such as saving, budgeting, and smart spending.
2. To help students understand the importance of financial literacy in personal and professional life.
3. To encourage the development of healthy financial habits from an early age.

Outcome:

By the end of the session, students developed a practical understanding of key financial principles and their relevance in everyday decision-making. The session helped participants recognize the long-term value of financial literacy and how it contributes to overall stability and success. Through an interactive discussion, students became more mindful of their spending habits and felt encouraged to apply simple financial practices such as budgeting, saving, and goal setting in their personal lives.

Report:

The Finance Club of SCMS Hyderabad successfully organized FinAware: A Financial Literacy Session on 6th August 2025 in the Computer Lab. The event saw active participation from 122 students, from across all batches. The session was led by Mr. Salveru Sandeep, HNI Lead at Vivekam Financial Services Pvt. Ltd., a SEBI-registered investment advisory company established in 2010, known for delivering research-driven, customized investment strategies.

Mr. Sandeep began the session by explaining the concept of inflation and its long-term impact on savings and purchasing power. He highlighted the need for financial planning and guided participants through the steps of creating a structured plan—defining financial goals, assessing current resources, asset allocation, risk evaluation, investment selection, and regular plan reviews. He emphasized the benefits of starting investments early to leverage the power of compounding. Practical tools, including the NISM website, were recommended to enhance financial knowledge.

Following this, he introduced Vivekam’s investment process, which focuses on data-driven decision-making rather than speculation, ensuring diversification and risk management. He explained the advantages of different asset classes—equities, mutual funds, and fixed income products—and how Vivekam customizes portfolios based on individual goals, timelines, and risk appetites.

In the final part of the session, Mr. Sandeep demonstrated a simple Excel-based example comparing two individuals, who began investing at different times, showing how starting early leads to greater wealth accumulation. This was followed by a brief illustration comparing real estate returns with other investments, helping participants understand the impact of time, compounding, and investment choice on long-term financial growth.

The session concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Ms. Arsheen, Head of the Finance Club, appreciating Mr. Sandeep’s valuable insights and the active engagement of participants. Students left with a deeper understanding of personal finance, investment strategies, and the importance of making informed, disciplined financial decisions.

GALLERY

(Ms. Arsheen delivering the vote of thanks)

(Full house for FinAware)

(Mr. Sandeep addressing the participants)

(Mr. Sandeep interacting with attendees)

(Mr Sandeep explaining the Real Estate myth)

(Ms. Yuvika delivering the welcome note)