FINSPARK 2K26

“Igniting Financial Excellence”

Spark Ideas. Shape Futures.

1. Introduction

The Finance Forum, in association with the IQAC, Poornaprajna Institute of Management (PIM), successfully organised FINSPARK 2K26 – Igniting Financial Excellence, its flagship intra-collegiate finance fest, on Monday, 20 July 2026 at Prajna Hall. The programme commenced at 2:00 PM and concluded with the Valedictory Ceremony at 3:30 PM.

Designed to promote financial literacy and experiential learning, the event provided MBA students with a platform to demonstrate their knowledge, analytical ability, teamwork, creativity, and strategic decision-making through a series of engaging finance-based competitions, followed by a formal valedictory ceremony featuring the Annual Report of the Finance Forum, a keynote address by the Chief Guest, and prize distribution.

2. Objectives of the Event

• To foster financial literacy, analytical thinking, and practical market knowledge among students.
• To provide a competitive platform testing finance concepts, current affairs, observation skills, and crisis-management ability.
• To encourage the practical application of classroom concepts to real financial and business challenges.
• To strengthen students’ confidence, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.

3. Participation

The fest witnessed enthusiastic participation from 12 teams, each consisting of four members drawn from the first and second-year MBA programme. Throughout the event, participants displayed exceptional enthusiasm, professionalism, and competitive spirit while applying classroom concepts to practical financial challenges, maintaining a vibrant atmosphere across every round.

4. Chief Guest and Dignitaries

Chief Guest — Mrs. Sahana Deranna Rai is a SEBI Registered Research Analyst, Founder of Karavali Trading Zone, Udupi, and a proud alumna of the PIM MBA Batch 2017–19. An institute committed to promoting financial literacy, investor awareness, and practical stock-market education, Karavali Trading Zone reflects her mission to empower individuals with informed investment knowledge. She graciously conducted the opening quiz round of the fest in addition to delivering the keynote address.

Distinguished Guest — Mr. Varun Devadiga, spouse of the Chief Guest and a distinguished alumnus of the PIM MBA Batch 2017–19, is the Authorized Partner of the Angel One franchise at Kinnimulki, Udupi. He was present on the occasion and also addressed the gathering, sharing his experiences in the field of financial markets.

The programme was further graced and supported by:

• Dr. Bharath V. – Former Director, PIM, who presided over the Valedictory Ceremony.
• Dr. Bharathi Karanth – Academic Coordinator (MBA Programme) and Faculty Coordinator of the Finance Forum.
• Dr. P. S. Aithal – Director, PIM.
• Dr. Krishna Kothai – Emeritus Professor, PIM.
• Mr. Kodancha – distinguished guest present on the occasion.

5. The Competition – Rounds and Structure

The competition consisted of four innovative rounds, each focusing on a unique aspect of finance and business, carrying a combined total of 100 marks:

Round 1 – FinQ (20 marks)

Conducted by the Chief Guest, Mrs. Sahana, this quiz round tested participants’ knowledge of banking, accounting, economics, investments, taxation, business, financial markets, and current affairs. It required teams to think quickly and answer accurately within the allotted time, assessing both conceptual clarity and financial awareness.

Round 2 – DecodeX (25 marks)

An interactive round that challenged participants to identify finance-related terms, recognise corporate and financial logos, and identify renowned personalities from the world of finance. It tested observation skills, financial awareness, logical thinking, and the ability to connect visual clues with financial concepts.

Round 3 – Mind Vault (15 marks)

A round focused on memory, observation, and financial awareness, requiring participants to recall financial concepts, identify information accurately, and demonstrate strong concentration and presence of mind.

Round 4 – Chakravyuha (40 marks)

The most challenging stage of the competition, in which participants analysed finance and business case scenarios, evaluated alternative solutions, and presented strategic decisions before the judges — assessing analytical thinking, communication, leadership, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure.

6. Event Schedule

7. Valedictory Ceremony

The Valedictory Ceremony, held at 3:30 PM, was presided over by Dr. Bharath V., Former Director of PIM, and graced by the Chief Guest, Mrs. Sahana Deranna Rai. The proceedings were as follows:

• The ceremony was gracefully compered by Ms. Sushmita, Coordinator of the Finance Forum.
• Ms. Meghana, Coordinator of the Finance Forum, delivered the welcome address, warmly welcoming the dignitaries, faculty members, participants, and students.
• Ms. Manwitha, Joint Secretary of the Finance Forum, introduced the Chief Guest, highlighting her achievements as a SEBI Registered Research Analyst, Founder of Karavali Trading Zone, and distinguished alumna of PIM.
• Mr. Rajendra Hebbar, President of the Finance Forum, presented the Annual Report of the Finance Forum for the academic year 2025–26.
• Keynote Address: Mrs. Sahana Deranna Rai inspired students to remain curious, continuously upgrade their financial knowledge, and develop analytical and research skills. She emphasised disciplined investing, ethical financial practices, and lifelong learning, and appreciated the Finance Forum for nurturing future finance professionals.
• Address by Mr. Varun Devadiga: Mr. Varun Devadiga, distinguished alumnus and Authorized Partner of Angel One (Kinnimulki, Udupi), also addressed the gathering, sharing a few words with the students and encouraging them in their pursuit of financial knowledge.
• Presidential Address: Dr. Bharath V. congratulated the Finance Forum for organising a meaningful academic event, appreciated the student coordinators and participants, and encouraged students to engage in experiential learning that builds leadership, teamwork, and professional competence.

8. Finance Forum – Annual Report Highlights (2025–26)

The Annual Report presented at the ceremony reflected a productive year for the Finance Forum, which operated with a strength of 53 active members. Its major initiatives included:

9. Prize Distribution

The prize distribution ceremony was announced by Mr. Suhan, Vice President of the Finance Forum. Mrs. Sahana Deranna Rai presented the prizes across the following categories, culminating in the announcement of the Overall Runners-up, Team SMNN, and the Overall Champions of FINSPARK 2K26, Team ASKG. The winners were recognised for their outstanding performances, while all participants were appreciated for their enthusiasm, dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Winning team compositions: SMNN — Shreya, Manjunath, Nisarga, Nirikshith; ASKG — Anisha, Shridevi, Kavyashree, Gurang; Profit Pandas — Amulya, Ashika, Sharanya, Swetha; Finovators — Ananya, Sonica, Pooja, Riyana.

10. Vote of Thanks and Conclusion

The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks proposed by Ms. S. Sharada, Secretary of the Finance Forum, who expressed sincere gratitude to the Chief Guest Mrs. Sahana Deranna Rai, Mr. Varun Devadiga, Former Director Dr. Bharath V., Academic and Faculty Coordinator Dr. Bharathi Karanth, faculty members, organisers, volunteers, participants, and the audience for their valuable support towards the grand success of the event.

FINSPARK 2K26 once again reflected the Finance Forum’s commitment to promoting experiential learning by integrating finance, business strategy, creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking into an engaging academic platform. The event successfully strengthened students’ financial literacy, analytical ability, leadership, communication, and decision-making skills, preparing them to meet the challenges of the dynamic corporate and financial world with confidence and professionalism.

Report Prepared by the Finance Forum
Poornaprajna Institute of Management, Udupi