Finance, Frauds & Fundamentals: Interrogating the recent trends in the financial landscape in India
11 – 15 March 2024
In the pulsating heart of India’s financial narrative lies a tale of experiments, advancement, and resistance. The “Finance, Frauds & Fundamentals” workshop delves into the complexities of the Indian financial landscape, critically examining its past, present, and future trajectory. This five-day workshop will navigate through the relationships of private and public finance, investigating the vulnerabilities that breed corporate fraud, and exploring the consequences of prioritizing profit over people.
During these sessions, we will be asking the following key questions:
- Understanding the Past and Present: How has historical development shaped the present Indian financial system? What are the key drivers and challenges currently influencing its evolution?
- Building Blocks of Private Finance: What fundamental concepts and mechanisms underpin individual and corporate financial structures in India? How do different financial instruments interact within this ecosystem?
- Anatomy of Corporate Frauds: What vulnerabilities allow corporate fraud to occur within the Indian system? How can we identify and mitigate these risks through improved regulations and practices?
- Balancing Public and Private Interests: How can public finance mechanisms effectively serve the collective good while navigating pressures from private interests? What are the ethical considerations at play?
- Profit vs. People: Consequences of Inequality: What are the social and economic implications of prioritizing profit maximization in the financial sector? How can we promote financial systems that contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future?
Day-Wise Breakdown:
Day 1: The historical and socio-economic factors that shaped the Indian financial system, current trends, and future trajectories.
Day 2: Demystifying the building blocks of private finance, including financial instruments, regulatory institutions, corporate frauds, and analyzing case studies.
Day 3: Dynamics of public finance in India, analyzing private interest, IBC, and loans.
Day 4: Participants analyze actual cases and present their findings in group discussions.
Day 5: Examining the consequences of prioritizing profit over people in the financial sector, focusing on issues like wealth inequality and financial exclusion. Alternative models and initiatives that promote financial inclusivity and sustainable development.
Who is this workshop for
This workshop is designed for activists, students, and groups to understand the nuances of India’s public finance and its profound impact on social well-being. This workshop is also helpful for professionals, policymakers, researchers, or anyone keen on understanding the challenges of India’s financial landscape.
This workshop also promises a comprehensive and critical exploration of the Indian financial landscape, empowering participants to engage constructively with its ongoing development. By fostering deeper understanding and promoting responsible financial practices, we can navigate towards a future where finance serves both individuals and society as a whole.
Methodology:
The sessions will be non-technical; they’ll be taken by researchers, civil society leaders, and activists. Through a combination of expert lectures, interactive sessions, and group work, we will discuss the history, reforms, and impact of the issues related to the above-mentioned themes. Sessions will be followed by Q&A sessions and discussions.
Program Schedule: Click here for the detailed schedule.
Language: The primary medium of instruction will be in English.
Resource persons:
Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, Anirbhan Bhattacharya, Mayalmit Lepcha, Priya Dharshini, Maju Varghese, Nancy Pathak, Joe Athialy, Gaurav Dwivedi,
Dates and Venue: 11 to 15 March 2024, Sambhaavnaa Institute, VPO – Kandbari, Tehsil – Palampur, District – Kangra, PIN 176061, Himachal Pradesh
How to reach the Sambhaavnaa’s campus: Please visit: Getting here
Participant Contribution: We hope that participants would contribute an amount of Rs. 5000/- towards workshop expenses, inclusive of all on-site workshop costs: boarding, lodging, and all the materials used in the workshop. Travel of participants will have to be borne by the participants/respective organisation.
Do not let money be an impediment to your application. Need-based fee waivers are available. We have a limited number of scholarships so please apply for a fee waiver if you really need it. Do remember that there may be others who need it more than you. The fee waiver will be offered to people from marginalized groups and non-funded social, political, or student movements.
Please fill the form below to apply: