CHANDIGARH: On Feb 14, Chandigarh became a milestone in a journey that began at the southern tip of India and continues toward the northernmost frontiers of the nation. The Change The Soch Drive – a nationwide awareness initiative led by Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund in collaboration with The Times of India – arrived in the city with a compelling purpose: to bring financial awareness closer to the heart of real Bharat.Adding a dash of inspiration to the occasion was the presence of the chief guest, Anjum Moudgil, shooter, gold medallist, Olympian and Arjuna Award winner. Moudgil said she enjoyed interacting with the women participants and appreciated their openness and curiosity. She emphasised that financial awareness is an important issue, particularly for women striving to build secure and independent futures.The Investor Awareness Session (IAP) brought together more than 40 active women participants, including members of self-help groups (SHGs) and emerging entrepreneurs from the local community. What unfolded during those two hours was more than a session – it was a space of dialogue, reflection, and awakening.The session was conducted by Avinash Satwalekar, president of Franklin Templeton Asset Management (India) Private Limited, who engaged participants in a simple yet powerful conversation about money, mindset, and independence.“We’re trying to change the thinking. We’re trying to get women to start becoming more financially independent. They already know how to run the household. They just need to get the confidence to use that knowledge to make investments in order to become more financially independent,” he said.He shared that the idea for the initiative began with a simple question in his own office on International Women’s Day – how many women were investing in mutual funds? Only a few hands went up, he said, adding that moment sparked a deeper reflection. “If women in a Metro city – working in the financial capital of the country – did not feel financially confident despite earning, what about women across the rest of India?” That thought laid the foundation for what has now become a nationwide movement. Complex financial concepts were simplified into relatable narratives – disciplined savings, informed investing, long-term planning, and the power of compounding were explained through everyday examples. One particularly powerful discussion revolved around pensions and small savings. A participant shared that although she does not earn, she receives a Rs 1,000 pension and consciously saves Rs 500 every month. Through this initiative, she discovered that even an amount as modest as Rs 500 can be invested and potentially multiplied over time. The realisation was met with visible surprise – and quiet confidence.In another moment that reflected changing mindsets, when asked whether she would like to invest for her children’s education, one woman responded firmly, “No, this is for my old age.” The room responded with smiles of approval. It was a subtle yet powerful shift – from self-sacrifice to self-security.The atmosphere throughout the session reflected curiosity and eagerness to learn. Many participants shared their experiences of managing household finances and supporting their families. The session did not diminish their knowledge – it validated it, while introducing structured financial thinking as a tool to build greater security and independence.Sushma, 35, who works as a cook in a household, shared that she has always believed in saving money. However, after attending the session, she said she feels motivated to invest her savings so that her money can grow and work for her. For her, and many others in the room, the idea that returns could strengthen their future brought a renewed sense of possibility.As India moves forward, the role of women – especially in rural and semi-urban communities – has evolved significantly. They are not only custodians of household budgets but also contributors to livelihood generation and community growth. Recognising this transformation, the Change The Soch Drive aims to strengthen financial confidence at the grassroots – one conversation, one city, and one empowered woman at a time.
