BSE Leads SEBI-Backed Investor Awareness Initiative During Pandharpur Wari
Pune, 13th July 2026: Under the aegis of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), BSE, as the lead Market Infrastructure Institution (MII), successfully conducted a first-of-its-kind investor awareness initiative during the annual Pandharpur Wari (pilgrimage). Held on July 9 and 10 across six strategic locations in Pune, the programme aimed to promote financial literacy, scam awareness, cyber safety, and prudent investing among devotees and retail investors. With an estimated 6–8 lakh Warkaris passing through the route, the initiative provided a unique opportunity to disseminate investor awareness messages among devotees and the wider public, particularly participants from rural and semi-urban communities across Maharashtra.
The two-day initiative was undertaken by the BSE Investors Protection Fund (IPF) in collaboration with other MIIs and the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI). The programme was designed to promote financial literacy and investor awareness among devotees and the general public, with a special focus on helping individuals better understand financial planning, safe investing practices, and protection against financial frauds.
The awareness sessions focused on key aspects of financial planning, scam awareness in the securities market, cyber fraud prevention, digital safety, and prudent investing practices. Participants were also introduced to various investment avenues, including mutual funds and other regulated financial products.
A key highlight of the programme was the Path Natya (street play), which effectively communicated important messages on cyber frauds, financial scams, digital safety, and prudent investing through relatable and easy-to-understand performances. The performances were widely appreciated for making complex financial concepts accessible and engaging.
Given the large participation from rural and semi-urban regions, the Pandharpur Wari provided a unique platform to extend financial literacy and investor awareness to communities that may otherwise have limited access to formal financial education. The initiative witnessed significant engagement from Warkaris and members of the public across all six locations.
The initiative witnessed active participation from representatives of BSE, other MIIs, and AMFI. Senior SEBI officials, including Mr. Sunil Kadam, Executive Director; Mr. Vikas S.S., Chief General Manager; Ms. Bala Kumari, Deputy General Manager; and Shri Rahul Kelapure, Assistant General Manager, also participated in the programme and provided guidance to the participating institutions on strengthening investor awareness and financial literacy outreach initiatives.
By taking investor awareness initiatives to one of Maharashtra’s largest annual pilgrimages, BSE and the participating institutions reaffirm their commitment to extending financial literacy and investor protection messages to every section of society, empowering individuals to make informed financial decisions and participate confidently in India’s growth story.
