SEBI Unveils "Dharohar" – A Digital Knowledge Repository

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has launched a digital knowledge repository, "Dharohar - Milestones in the Indian Securities Market," on the occasion of India’s 76th Republic Day. This initiative aims to document and showcase the evolution of the Indian securities market, which has a legacy of over 150 years of organized trading. SEBI emphasized that the Indian securities market is known for its wide range of financial instruments, diverse participants, and well-established institutions.

According to SEBI, Dharohar has been designed to serve as a comprehensive resource, offering valuable insights into the history and development of India’s securities market. The repository features an interactive website that includes a timeline of major milestones, 3D galleries, and various multimedia elements to enhance user engagement. This initiative is expected to benefit a broad audience, including students, investors, researchers, journalists, financial analysts, market participants, and the general public.

The repository hosts over 3,000 assets, covering different aspects of the securities market through articles, regulatory developments, interviews with industry pioneers, historic newspaper clippings, share certificates, infographics, videos, and committee reports. By documenting these significant events and contributions, Dharohar aims to create a lasting record of India's financial evolution.

SEBI has stated that the repository will continue to expand with regular updates and new additions, making it a dynamic platform for anyone interested in the securities market. The initiative is expected to serve as an educational tool, fostering awareness and knowledge about the complexities of India's financial system.

Moreover, SEBI expressed its deep appreciation for the contributions of various individuals and institutions who played a crucial role in the development of this project. This includes members of the Monitoring and Advisory Committee of Project Dharohar, former SEBI chairpersons and whole-time members, employees, scripophilists, financial experts, industry leaders, market infrastructure institutions, and industry associations.

Significance of Dharohar in the Indian Financial Landscape

The launch of Dharohar marks a significant step in preserving the history of India's financial markets. It recognizes the contributions of policymakers, regulators, and market participants who have played a key role in shaping India's capital markets. The platform offers insights into landmark regulatory reforms, policy changes, and technological advancements that have strengthened India’s financial sector.

The repository also sheds light on the evolution of trading platforms, the rise of stock exchanges, the role of institutional investors, and the development of financial instruments over the decades. It documents how the securities market has adapted to global economic trends, financial crises, and major policy shifts, making it a valuable resource for policymakers, financial historians, and industry professionals.

With the continued expansion of India's securities market, SEBI’s Dharohar will serve as a crucial tool for investors and researchers to understand market trends and historical developments. By fostering greater transparency and awareness, this initiative aligns with SEBI’s broader objective of promoting investor education and strengthening market confidence.

As SEBI continues to enhance the repository with new research, digital archives, and interactive content, Dharohar is expected to become a landmark initiative in financial knowledge dissemination. It will not only serve as a historical archive but also as an educational hub for future generations, helping them understand the journey of India’s financial markets from their early stages to their present global standing.