On 5 June 2026, the Financial Literacy Vertical of FICCI FLO Chennai, under the leadership of Dr. Amulya Rao, organized Money, Mindset & Modern Women – A Journey from Saving to Creating Wealth at Madras Club, Chennai. The session featured an insightful and engaging conversation between Ms. Lakshmi Iyer, Group President – Investments and MD & CEO, Bajaj Alternate Investment Management Limited, and Ms. Bindya Masabathula, Managing Partner, ASK Private Wealth.
The discussion focused on helping women understand the transition from conventional saving habits to informed wealth creation strategies. Through practical examples and real-life experiences, Lakshmi Iyer highlighted the importance of adopting a long-term investment mindset and building a diversified portfolio. She explained how different asset classes such as equities, Gold ETFs, and REITs contribute to sustainable wealth creation and financial stability.
A significant part of the discussion centred on investor behaviour during periods of market volatility. Lakshmi emphasized the importance of remaining invested through economic cycles, market corrections, and periods of uncertainty. She reassured participants that resilience and patience are essential qualities for successful investing and noted the Indian market’s historical ability to recover and generate long-term value.
The session was highly interactive, with participants actively engaging in discussions and posing thoughtful questions. The speakers addressed common concerns around investing, risk management, and financial planning, providing practical guidance tailored to women at different stages of their financial journeys.
Adding warmth and relatability to the session, Lakshmi Iyer shared several humorous film anecdotes and personal experiences, making complex financial concepts easy to understand and enjoyable for the audience. Her storytelling approach ensured sustained engagement and transformed what is often considered a complex subject into an accessible and inspiring conversation.
Key Takeaways
* Financial literacy is essential for long-term independence and empowerment.
* Women must take an active role in managing their finances and investments.
* Diversification is critical for sustainable wealth creation.
* Equities, Gold ETFs, and REITs each play an important role in a balanced portfolio.
* Long-term investing often outperforms short-term market timing.
* Market volatility should be viewed as a natural part of the investment journey.
* Staying invested during downturns is crucial for long-term wealth creation.
* Informed decision-making helps reduce financial anxiety and uncertainty.
* Financial confidence develops through education, consistency, and experience.
* Wealth creation is a journey built on discipline, patience, and conviction.
Impact
The event concluded with a strong message on the importance of financial awareness, independence, and confidence. Around 100 participants left feeling empowered to make informed financial decisions, take ownership of their financial goals, and build wealth with consistency, discipline, and conviction.