Celebrating 30 Years of Transformation: ‘NSE: Enabling a Billion Dreams’ to Premiere on HistoryTV18

HistoryTV18 is set to premiere an exclusive, hour-long documentary that offers an unprecedented look into the National Stock Exchange’s (NSE) remarkable journey over the past 30 years. Titled NSE: Enabling a Billion Dreams, the documentary will air on 3rd November at 7:05 PM on HistoryTV18, providing viewers with a detailed exploration of the NSE’s evolution from its inception in 1994 to becoming one of the largest and most influential stock exchanges in the world.

India’s stock markets have undergone a significant transformation over the decades, evolving from traditional open-outcry trading floors to sophisticated electronic platforms. The establishment of the NSE in 1994 marked a watershed moment in this evolution, setting new standards for transparency and efficiency in the capital markets.

Since its launch, the NSE has revolutionised India’s capital markets by introducing electronic trading and fostering transparency. Today, it stands as the world’s largest derivatives exchange by the number of contracts traded and ranks among the top exchanges globally in cash market trades. Processing millions of transactions daily, the NSE has contributed to India’s market capitalisation soaring to over USD 5 trillion, underscoring its impact on the global financial stage.

The documentary highlights the NSE’s innovative strides in transforming India’s capital markets, showcasing how the exchange introduced electronic trading, brought transparency, and democratised market access, reshaping the nation’s economic trajectory. With 7.5 crore households now holding market accounts, the NSE has significantly broadened investor participation, making stock trading accessible to people across the country.

“At HistoryTV18, our mission is to bring impactful stories that resonate with our viewers,” said Avinash Kaul, CEO – Broadcast Network 18 and MD A+E Networks | TV18. “Our documentary NSE: Enabling a Billion Dreams highlights the NSE’s role in transforming India’s financial landscape. By chronicling 30 years of the NSE’s journey, we aim to show how it democratized wealth creation, fostered innovation, and empowered millions to contribute to India’s economic growth. We hope to inspire viewers to understand how such institutions shape our country’s future.”

The film examines technological milestones such as the introduction of NEAT (National Exchange for Automated Trading) and the dematerialisation of shares, which eliminated physical trading barriers, reduced settlement times from weeks to just one day, and enhanced market efficiency. The NSE’s implementation of T+1 settlement cycles places India among the few markets globally to achieve such rapid transaction settlements, boosting investor confidence and market liquidity.

Featuring insights from industry stalwarts and experts, the documentary offers exclusive perspectives from leaders across the financial and technological spectrum. Viewers will hear from NSE’s MD and CEO Ashishkumar Chauhan and visionaries like Raamdeo Agrawal of Motilal Oswal Financial Services, former SEBI Chairman U.K. Sinha, and former NSE and RBI board member Y.H. Malegam. Other contributors include Uday Kotak, Ghazal and Varun Alagh, S. Ramadorai, Vineet Nayar, and seasoned journalists Lata Venkatesh and Shereen Bhan. The documentary is further enriched with contributions from academic experts like Dr. Tadashi Endo and market experts like Deven Choksey.

“We are pleased to collaborate with HistoryTV18 on this documentary that encapsulates our 30-year journey,” said Ashishkumar Chauhan, MD & CEO of NSE. “Since our inception, the NSE has been dedicated to transforming India’s financial landscape by promoting innovation, transparency, and making capital markets accessible to all. By sharing our story, we hope to highlight the collective efforts that have shaped India’s financial ecosystem. It is our hope that this film will inspire future generations to engage actively with India’s financial markets, driving inclusive growth and contributing to the country’s continued prosperity.”

Additionally, the feature illustrates the NSE’s role in propelling India’s derivatives market to unprecedented heights. With an average daily turnover exceeding USD 10 billion in equity derivatives, the exchange has positioned India as a leading player in global derivatives trading. These impressive statistics underscore the NSE’s influence in wealth creation and its pivotal role in attracting both domestic and international investors.

NSE: Enabling a Billion Dreams premieres on 3rd November at 7:05 PM on HistoryTV18. The film will also be broadcast across multiple platforms, including CNBC TV18, CNBC Awaaz, CNBC Bajar, CNN News18, and will be available for streaming on moneycontrol.com and HistoryTV18’s YouTube channel, ensuring it reaches a wide and diverse audience.