New Delhi: Today, as the market opens on 5th September, traders and investors around the globe will go about their usual business, buying and selling stocks, hoping to make profits before the closing bell rings. But amid this daily cycle, 5th September holds a special significance — it is a day to remember the gurus who have guided many on their path to success.
On this Teachers’ Day, we pay tribute to the gurus of the stock market, whose wisdom has helped countless investors become millionaires. We also look at their disciples, who today’s youth look up to as mentors.
Benjamin Graham: The Original Market Guru
Globally, Warren Buffett is often seen as the ultimate investment mentor. However, Buffett himself had a guru — Benjamin Graham. Known as the father of value investing, Graham’s strategies have transformed the world of investment. He advocated for buying stocks that were trading below their intrinsic value, a method that revolutionised investing in the 1920s.
Graham’s influence extends beyond his lifetime through his disciples, including Warren Buffett. His 1949 book, The Intelligent Investor, remains a cornerstone for asset managers and stock traders worldwide.
Warren Buffett: The Sage of Omaha
Warren Buffett, widely regarded as the great guru of global investors, was born on 30th August 1930, in Nebraska, USA. He bought his first stock at the tender age of 11 and filed his first tax return by the age of 13. Reflecting on his early start, Buffett once remarked that he began investing “very late,” a surprising statement considering he was just 11 at the time.
Today, his company, Berkshire Hathaway, is a sprawling conglomerate with investments in diverse sectors. The company’s market capitalisation has surged by $200 billion this year alone, and its cash reserves reached a record $276.9 billion in the second quarter. With stakes in major companies like Apple and Bank of America, Buffett stands as the seventh richest person in the world. His approach to investing is straightforward: “Risk comes from not knowing what you are doing. Therefore, investment should always be done thoughtfully.”
Rakesh Jhunjhunwala: The Warren Buffett of India
In India, the late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala was often referred to as the “Warren Buffett of India” and the “Big Bull of India.” Born on 5th July 1960, Jhunjhunwala entered the stock market with a mere Rs 5,000. His approach to investment changed the landscape of wealth management in India, teaching investors to respect the market and understand its complexities.
Jhunjhunwala believed in restraint, discipline, and the power of learning from failure. “Failure is essential for growth and reform,” he often said, encouraging others to learn from their mistakes. It was said that whatever he touched turned to gold, a testament to his skill and insight. He passed away on 14th August 2022, leaving behind a legacy of wisdom and inspiration for future generations.
A Legacy of Learning
As we celebrate Teachers’ Day, let us remember these iconic figures who have not only amassed wealth but have also imparted invaluable lessons to the world. From Benjamin Graham’s foundational principles to Warren Buffett’s practical wisdom and Rakesh Jhunjhunwala’s innovative strategies, these gurus have shaped the way we think about investing and continue to inspire new generations of investors.
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