Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu : Bajaj Finance Ltd., India’s largest private-sector Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) and a part of Bajaj Finserv, organized its financial literacy programme, ‘Arthsutra Samvad’, at the Kameshwaram Fishermen Colony and Orathur village in Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu.
The initiative is part of Bajaj Finance’s nationwide financial literacy programme aimed at promoting financial inclusion in rural and underbanked areas. Conducted under the Reserve Bank of India’s financial literacy initiative, the programme focused on creating awareness about financial discipline, responsible money management, digital financial safety and protection against financial fraud.
During the sessions, Bajaj Finance representatives educated villagers, especially women, on the importance of savings, budgeting, responsible borrowing, timely loan repayment and safe digital financial practices. Participants were also advised to remain alert against cyber frauds, fake investment schemes, suspicious links, APK files, WhatsApp scams and digital arrest frauds. They were encouraged to immediately report cyber frauds by calling the national cybercrime helpline 1930.
The programme at Orathur village was attended by Ms. Paathiya Arokiya Mary, Block Development Officer, Nagapattinam; Ms. Baby, Inspector of Police, Keelaiyur Police Station, Nagapattinam; and Ms. Rajalakshmi Srinivasan, Assistant Village Director, SOS Children’s Villages India. Nearly 75 women from the village participated in the programme.
At the Kameshwaram Fishermen Colony, Mr. Murugappa, Sub-Inspector of Police (SSI), Keelaiyur Police Station, Nagapattinam, along with village panchayat representatives and local women, actively participated in the programme.
Speaking on the event in Kameshwaramn, SSI Murugappa, Urged the public to stay alert to cyber fraud. “Everyone must be cautious about cyber fraud. If you fall victim, file a complaint with the Cyber Crime Cell immediately,” he said.
While addressing the villagers of Orathur Inspector Baby, said, “People must remain vigilant. No bank employee will ever ask for your OTP, card details, or bank account information.” Speaking to the women, she added, “You are all *Veera Mangais* (brave women), so always stay alert to such scams. If you are ever cheated, do not be afraid. Report it immediately to the police, the Cyber Crime Cell, and your bank. We will support you and help you recover your money.”
Ms Paathiya Arokiya Mary, Block Development Officer (BDO), explained government schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana and the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana. She highlighted the importance of savings and insurance and explained how villagers can access and benefit from these schemes.
Ms. Rajeshwari of SOS Foundation thanked Bajaj for organising the event, through which the public learned about savings, budgeting and other financial topics from the Bajaj team. She urged participants to share what they had learned with their friends and family. She then spoke about the importance of educating girls and women. “Education is the foundation of a woman’s independence,” she said. “Our responsibility as parents doesn’t end with our daughter’s marriage. We must equip her to stand on her own, and education makes that possible.”
The session focused on key aspects of financial planning, responsible borrowing, savings, cyber safety, and fraud prevention. The programme saw enthusiastic participation from women in both Kameshwaram and Orathur, who actively engaged in discussions on financial well-being and measures to safeguard themselves against cyber fraud.