National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and Divyaj Foundation sign MOU to enhance Financial Literacy and Investor Awareness

Chandigarh, March 06, 2025: In order to enhance financial literacy and investor awareness in the securities market, National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and Divyaj Foundation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the presence of its founder Smt. Amruta Devendra Fadnavis and Shri Bhushan Gagrani, Hon’ble Municipal Commissioner, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. Bollywood actor Sharvari Wagh also joined the program.

This is indeed a significant step to formalize a partnership that embodies the spirit of financial literacy, investor awareness, investor empowerment and inclusivity. The signing of this MoU between the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and Divyaj Foundation marks a pivotal step in our shared commitment to creating a financially literate and empowered workforce.

Protecting the interest of investors, especially women, in the securities market is of paramount importance to NSE and in the lead up to the International Women’s Day, the partnership with Divyaj foundation targeting women audience truly signifies the shared vision.

Divyaj Foundation, a renowned NGO, founded by Smt. Amruta Devendra Fadnavis Ji who is an eminent banker, singer and social activist, is dedicated to uplifting marginalized and underprivileged sections of society by enhancing their quality of life. Guided by its vision of empowerment through knowledge, skill development, and financial assistance, the NGO actively works in areas such as education, financial independence, healthcare, skill development, health and nutrition, clean-up drives, women’s empowerment and childcare.

NSE conducts financial literacy and investor awareness programs throughout the year for diverse participants across society. Divyaj Foundation, leveraging its expertise and community reach, shall assist in identifying, mobilizing, and facilitating the participation of beneficiaries in such program. As part of this partnership, we aim to target women police personnel, BMC employees, Mumbai police, blue-collared women workforce, women from remote villages, self-help groups, students and others. Together, we aim to join hands and provide a comprehensive financial literacy program with special focus on women participants.

The MoU signing was followed up with an Investor Awareness Program, the very purpose for which it was signed. The investor awareness program was conducted for over 200 women participants from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The interactive awareness session was conducted by a SEBI SMART (Securities Market trainer) at NSE. This program covered basic financial literacy topics such as financial planning investment sutras, capital markets, mutual funds and more.

Shri Bhushan Gagrani, Hon’ble Municipal Commissioner, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, said: “At BMC, we provide a wide range of essential services to the city of Mumbai to improve quality of life and organizing programs and initiatives that support education, and awareness is of core importance. We recognize the importance of financial knowledge and investor awareness for enhancing civic services and community development. We are delighted to support this collaboration between NSE and Divyaj Foundation, which will provide our women workforce with essential financial literacy tools, knowledge of savings, investments and financial security which is the key to their empowerment and financial independence.”

Smt Amruta Fadnavis, Eminent Banker, Singer and Social Activist said: “Financial literacy is not just about investing; it is about enabling individuals to take control of their financial future. This initiative, in partnership with NSE and Divyaj Foundation, aims to bridge the knowledge gap and empower women, especially those in public service and blue-collar roles and, women from remote villages with the confidence to make sound financial choices. A financially aware woman can shape the future of her family, community and nation. This women’s day as we vouch for accelerating action to break gender stereotypes and strengthen gender equity, we believe financial literacy for women will be a catalyst in the whole process”.

Shri Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD & CEO, NSE said: “At NSE, we believe that financial literacy and investor awareness is the cornerstone of investor protection, social mobility, economic empowerment and financial well- being. Our collaboration with Divyaj Foundation is a very positive step towards ensuring that financial awareness reaches every segment of our society, especially women from diverse backgrounds. By equipping individuals with the right knowledge, we empower them to make informed financial decisions, thereby fostering a more inclusive and resilient economy. Enabling financial literacy with this partnership with Divyaj Foundation is a positive step towards bridging the gaps in financial inclusion and access to economic opportunities for women”

Sharvari Wagh, Actor, said: “I am truly honored to be part of this hugely progressive initiative by Amruta Fadnavis Ji’s Divyaj Foundation and the National Stock Exchange, empowering women with financial literacy. This partnership marks a crucial step towards equipping women with the knowledge and tools to secure their future and support their families. As we celebrate this milestone ahead of International Women’s Day, I hope this initiative paves the way for greater financial independence for women which is the need of the hour.”