Alappuzha (Keralam) [India], August 23 (ANI): The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE), along with other securities market participants, have stepped up efforts to promote financial literacy, investor education, and investor protection across the country.

As part of this initiative, an Investor Awareness Pavilion was established and organized at the Nehru Trophy Boat Race 2026, held on August 22 at Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, Keralam. The boat race was inaugurated by Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan and Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

The joint SEBI-NSE pavilion, set up in collaboration with other market entities, was inaugurated by Alappuzha District Collector Shaji V Nair, Ernakulam Range DIG Yathish Chandra GH, and Alappuzha District Police Chief SP Vishnu Pratheep TK. The ceremony took place in the presence of SEBI General Manager MK Srikanth, NSE Senior Vice President Avishkar Naik, and representatives from various market infrastructure institutions.

According to NSE, the initiative aimed to draw a parallel between the sport and financial discipline.

'The traditional boat race represents team synergy, rhythm, discipline, direction, endurance, and balance--qualities that also resonate strongly with the principles of informed investing,' the NSE said in a release.

'Just as rowing a snake boat (Vallam Kali) requires synchronised effort, focus, steady pacing, and navigating changing water currents, successful investing requires similar traits including market awareness, continuous discipline, patience, and well-informed decision-making.'

The campaign highlighted critical areas including investor rights and responsibilities, informed decision-making, financial planning basics, awareness regarding SEBI-verified applications, grievance redressal mechanisms, and methods to identify and avoid investment frauds and scams.

Visitors at the pavilion received simplified investor education materials and engaged in interactive learning tools such as Spin the Wheel, the 'Scam No' game, Awareness Darts, Protection Baskets, and Invest Safe Ludo.

The outreach brought all Market Infrastructure Institutions and associations together under one roof to handle query resolution and complaint facilitation. Designed to cater to first-time investors, young adults, and families, the program leveraged the presence of tourists, spectators, and boating enthusiasts at the venue.

According to the NSE, organizing awareness programs at major cultural and sporting events allows market regulators and institutions to move beyond conventional platforms and engage directly with the public in an accessible and culturally relevant environment. (ANI)