The Department of Commerce of Don Bosco College, Panjim, organised the Financial Literacy and Awareness Programme – FLAAP 2025, from 21 st to 23 rd August 2025. The theme of the programme was “Financial Freedom Begins with You.”
The programme was conceptualized with the objective of equipping students with essential financial knowledge and practical skills that will enable them to make informed decisions in their personal and professional lives. Through expert sessions, interactive competitions, and creative activities, the Department of Commerce sought to:
Build awareness on the importance of financial planning and responsible money management,
Familiarize students with contemporary financial tools, products, and opportunities,
Encourage critical thinking, communication, and creativity in understanding financial issues,
and
Prepare students to become financially responsible individuals contributing to a better society.
With these goals in mind, the three-day programme brought together resource persons, faculty, and
students in a collaborative learning experience.
The programme began with the Inaugural Ceremony, beautifully coordinated and led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Frazer Taylor. The ceremony opened with a prayer hymn sung by the students, in the presence of College Director Fr. Kinley D’Cruz, Officiating Principal Dr. Cedric Silveira, Coordinator of the Department of Commerce Asst. Prof. Ms. Arantxa Rangel, and faculty members Asst. Prof. Ms. Edrea Picardo and Asst. Prof. Ms. Divina Dias.
Fr. Kinley and Dr. Cedric, in their addresses, congratulated the faculty and students for planning and organizing FLAAP 2025 for the very first time. Ms. Arantxa, in her address, highlighted the importance of financial literacy, reminding students that FLAAP was designed to go beyond numbers and banking terms, helping them learn to save for what matters, use digital payments safely, avoid debt traps, and plan for a secure future.
The inaugural was followed by an enlightening session by Mr. Gilbert Mendes on “Unlocking Wealth Creation: A Deep Dive into Equity, Debt and Alternative Investments.” He spoke on setting financial goals, achieving financial security, and key issues like inflation, financial freedom, and real estate investments. Students gained practical insights into financial markets and investment opportunities.
Later in the day, Poster Showdown – the Poster Making Competition on the theme “Empowering Youth through Financial Literacy” – saw active participation from 12 teams. Students displayed exceptional creativity in posters highlighting budgeting, savings, investment, and responsible money use. The vibrant visuals and powerful slogans showcased their understanding and ability to communicate complex concepts effectively through art.
The second day opened with an insightful session by Mr. Sanjay Mulvi on “B.Com to Finance Professional: Career Opportunities and Challenges.” Drawing from his rich experience in the startup ecosystem and finance domain, Mr. Mulvi guided the SY and TY students through the wide spectrum of career paths available after graduation. He highlighted opportunities in areas such as investment, corporate finance, and management, while also emphasizing the importance of upskilling, adaptability, and ethical practices in today’s competitive environment. The highly interactive session left students better informed and motivated about their career prospects in finance.
The session was followed by the Elocution Competition – ‘Talk Cents’, which gave students a platform to articulate their views on financial literacy. Six participants presented thoughtful speeches on themes such as the importance of budgeting, the power of compounding, digital payment systems, financial scams, and women in finance. Each speaker demonstrated clarity of thought, confidence, and strong public speaking skills.
The final day began with ‘Sell It Smart,’ a competition that challenged students to creatively market financial products. 9 students took part, using role-plays, innovative strategies, and persuasive presentations to market insurance policies, debit and credit cards, and Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs). The competition highlighted their creativity, financial awareness, and ability to communicate effectively. This was followed by the screening of ‘Bad Boy Billionaires: India,’ a documentary that shed light on corporate frauds and unethical practices. The screening offered students a real-world perspective on ethics in finance and reinforced the value of integrity in professional life.
In addition, the five entries received for ‘Smart Money Shots’ – the Reel Making Competition – were screened for all students. These short, creative videos spread awareness on financial literacy in innovative ways, and the audience appreciated the originality and effort of their peers. Across three days, FLAAP 2025 witnessed enthusiastic participation from all B.Com classes. The blend of expert sessions, competitions, and creative activities not only enhanced students’ financial knowledge but also built their confidence, critical thinking, and communication skills.
The sessions and competitions were compered by students, reflecting their enthusiasm and leadership, for the programme. Overall, FLAAP 2025 was a well-planned and well-coordinated event, fulfilling its theme “Financial Freedom Begins with You” and encouraging students to become financially responsible individuals.
