Invertian’s Visit India’s Commercial Hub — BSE Institute Limited

Professional higher education is all about gaining practical experience rather than deriving knowledge from a traditional curriculum. Keeping this in mind, the BBA & B.COM departments of Invertis University, Bareilly in co-ordination with BSE Institute Limited organized an educational trip to the topmost economic institutions & regulatory bodies of India.

A group of 34 bright and enthusiastic students of B.COM (H) B.com courses in Financial Markets, took an educational trip to Mumbai under the leadership of Dr Dheeraj Gandhi (HOD, BBA & Best B.Com Honors College in Bareilly), Ms Shweta and Mr Manmohan Bansal. The trip started on 25 March and continued till 31 March. It was the first time that students from the Rohilkhand region were getting an opportunity to exclusively visit the Bombay Stock Exchange, the Reserve Bank of India and Securities and Exchange Board of India (Mumbai).

On the morning of Monday 26 March 2019, our students reached Mumbai. When in Mumbai, the first stop had to be Shree Siddhi Vinayak Temple and this is where our students sought the blessings of the Almighty to ensure that their experience in Mumbai was an enlightening one. Our students next went to the famous Mount Mary Church to seek further blessings. This was followed by a leisurely stroll at the Bandstand Promenade Walkway along the coast of the beautiful Arabian Sea

Mind and body refreshed, our students made their way to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on the morning of 27 March. Here, Prof Suhas Worlikar and Mr Amin Shaikh from BSE Institute Limited accompanied the students. An engaging guest lecture on SEBI and the Indian Securities Market followed which was delivered by Mr Yazdi Pir (AGM, SEBI). He also discussed the different functional areas of SEBI and provided valuable information about matters relating to investment and finance. Mr Pir was more than happy to clear all doubts and entertain all the queries of the students.

The students then visited the Reserve Bank of India Monetary Museum where they learnt about the history of the Indian currency. The museum is enriched with monetary artefacts dating back to 1990. Ending this busy yet fruitful day, the students visited two major landmarks of Bombay — the Mahalakshmi Temple and the Haji Ali Dargah.

On 28 March the Invertian’s started their day from the Bombay Stock Exchange at Dalal Street — a place which has become synonymous with the financial history of India. This is also a big milestone in the history of our university as no classroom lecture can give the thrill than a student of finance and commerce feels on stepping inside the 29-floor building of Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Ms Meenakshi Naidu from BSE Institute Limited greeted the students and took them around the premises of the building, explaining the importance of each place.

The Invertian’s visited the surveillance department where they met Mr Viju Kumar Pillay (Head, SNOC, BSE). Mr Pillay explained in detail how exactly trading is conducted at the stock market. What intrigued the students most was the fluctuations of the stock market, which was explained in detail by Mr Pillay.

Next, the students attended an interactive workshop on the ‘Introduction to Financial Markets’ by Prof Suhas Worlikar (Senior Faculty, BSE Institute Limited). The session mainly involved discussions on the trading procedure at BSE. Prof Worlikar gave tips for investments and provided insights about different career opportunities in the world of the financial market. From discourses to brainstorming — this highly engaging session ended with Prof Worlikar resolving all the queries of the students. After this, the students visited the International Convention Hall of Bombay Stock Exchange and saw for themselves how trading is done.

The next phase of the day involved visits to the Asiatic Society, the State Central Library and Town Hall. Another hectic yet enjoyable day ended with a soothing evening at Nariman Point, Marine Drive, Boot House and Hanging Garden.

The morning of 29 March was marked by an enjoyable ferry ride on the Arabian Sea and a visit to the ancient Elephanta Caves. The Elephanta Caves, a gem in the ancient history of India, left a deep impact on the minds of the students. They also enjoyed a toy train ride and visited a 1000-year-old Shiva temple. Next, the students also visited the Gateway of India and Hotel Taj Palace. The day marked with visits to numerous iconic spots in and around Mumbai ended with a pleasant evening at the Juhu Beach where the student relaxed to the soothing sounds of the ocean.

On the final day of the trip, the Invertian’s visited the famous R City Mall and were excited to see the Red-Carpet Wax Museum which is home to the wax statues of 38 global personalities like Barack Obama, Queen Victoria, The Dalai Lama, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Michael Jackson and many others. Next, the students visited the Click Art Museum and engaged in an entirely new experience at the Snow Kingdom where the temperature was set at a freezing -8 degree Celsius.

Though this education trip, which ended on 31 March, was long, the students displayed an imbibing and energetic attitude all along. They were happy to learn more, know more and ask more questions which made the whole endeavour fruitful. This trip was not only enjoyable, but it enabled the students to gain a deep insight into the various financial functions that take place at Indian commercial capital — Mumbai.

This excursion would not have been successful without the support of Honourable Chancellor Dr Umesh Gautam who gave us permission to explore the economic and the financial world beyond the classroom, Prof YDS Arya (Vice-Chancellor), Dr Manish Gupta (Dean Management) and Dr Dheeraj Gandhi (HOD, BBA & B.COM).

Special heartfelt thanks to Mr Pulock Bhattacharji (Vice-President, BSE Institute) and Ms Manisha Lakra (Academic Co-ordinator, BSE Institute) for arranging the visit. Finally, a big note of appreciation to Dr Riya Dwivedi (Maxis Holidays, New Delhi), who left no stone unturned to ensure that this trip was safe, comfortable and an enjoyable one for all the students.