The Department of Vocational Education (Entrepreneurship Development), under the School of Tribal Resource Management, KISS Deemed to be University, organized a Distinguished Talk on “Personal Finance: An Essential Skill for the Students” to educate and empower students with vital financial literacy and investment knowledge on 7th April 2025. Mr. Soumyaranjan Barik, Manager, Centricity Wealth Management and Mr. Sumit Agarawalla, Entrepreneur and Financial Advisor were invited as the esteemed resource for the event.
The session was graced and inaugurated by Professor Debashis Bandyopadhyay, Vice Chancellor, KISS Deemed to be University. In his Welcome Address, the Vice Chancellor emphasized the importance of personal finance as a life skill, particularly for students from diverse and tribal backgrounds who are entering a rapidly changing economic environment. He highlighted how financial literacy plays a crucial role in fostering independence, responsible decision-making, and long-term financial security among students. He also felicitated the invited speakers for their presence and valuable contribution to the event. The talk was attended by a large number of students, faculty members, and university officials, including Dr. Snigdharani Panda, Chairperson, Council of Deans, and other senior functionaries, all of whom appreciated the relevance and timing of the topic.
Following the inauguration, Dr. Arpana Premi Lina Oraon, Dean, School of Tribal Resource Management, introduced the distinguished speakers to the audience and elaborated on the objectives and expected outcomes of the talk. She reiterated the department’s commitment to nurturing practical life skills among students, particularly in areas essential for entrepreneurship and personal growth.
The talk was moderated by Dr. Kharabela Rout, Assistant Professor, KISS Deemed to be University, who efficiently coordinated the session, ensuring its smooth flow and active engagement between the speakers and the audience.
The first session was conducted by Mr. Soumyaranjan Barik, who delivered a comprehensive and insightful lecture on the importance of saving. He discussed fundamental topics such as the necessity of savings, the impact of inflation on money value, and the power of compound interest in wealth creation. His presentation was engaging and highly relevant, helping students grasp the importance of disciplined financial planning from an early age.
The second session was led by Mr. Sumit Agarawalla, who delved into the practical aspects of investment planning. He provided a detailed explanation of various asset classes, including gold, fixed deposits (FDs), Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) schemes, pension schemes, mutual funds, and Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs). Mr. Agarawalla guided students on how to make informed financial decisions, highlighting the pros and cons of each investment avenue in a simple and relatable manner.
The interactive Q&A session at the end of the talk presented an opportunity to the students to engage directly with the speakers. They posed several thoughtful questions related to personal budgeting, long-term savings, and investment strategies. The speakers responded with clarity and practical insights, encouraging students to adopt financially responsible habits.
The session concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Sushree Panda, Assistant Professor, KISS Deemed to be University. She expressed sincere gratitude to the esteemed speakers, university leadership, faculty members, and student participants for their enthusiastic involvement and support. The event ended with a group photo session with the speakers and dignitaries.
