In an incredible turn of events, a man from Chandigarh, India, stumbled upon old physical share certificates of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) that he had purchased decades ago. What initially seemed like a mere ₹30 investment in 1987 had now grown into an astonishing ₹12 lakh windfall.
This discovery has sparked a discussion on the importance of tracking investments, the power of compounding, and the benefits of holding onto quality stocks for the long term. If you have old share certificates lying around, this story might just inspire you to check their current value!
Man discovers forgotten Reliance shares bought 37 years ago for ₹30
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment Year | 1987 & 1992 |
| Original Investment | ₹30 (for 30 shares) |
| Company | Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) |
| Stock Splits & Bonuses | Increased share count to 960 shares |
| Current Value | ₹12 lakh (as per recent stock prices) |
| How to Check Old Shares? | Use IEPF search facility, consult a broker |
| What to Do If You Find Old Shares? | Dematerialize them and claim dividends |
The story of a forgotten ₹30 investment turning into ₹12 lakh is a perfect example of why long-term investing and financial awareness are crucial. If you or your family have old share certificates, now is the time to check their worth. By following the right process, you might uncover hidden wealth that has been growing silently over decades.
How a ₹30 Investment Became ₹12 Lakh: The Full Story
The Discovery
Rattan Dhillon, a Chandigarh-based investor, was going through old documents when he discovered physical share certificates from Reliance Industries. These certificates, issued in February 1987 and December 1992, represented an initial purchase of just 30 shares at ₹10 per share.
However, due to corporate actions such as stock splits, bonus shares, and rights issues, his initial holding of 30 shares had multiplied to approximately 960 shares over the years. Given that RIL’s current market price is around ₹1250 per share, this small investment had grown into a massive fortune.
Stock Splits and Bonus Shares: How the Investment Grew
One of the main reasons Dhillon’s investment skyrocketed is due to Reliance Industries’ history of rewarding its shareholders with bonus shares and stock splits. Here’s a breakdown:
- Stock Splits: Companies split shares to make them more affordable, increasing the number of shares an investor owns.
- Bonus Shares: Additional shares are issued to existing shareholders at no extra cost.
- Dividend Payouts: Investors also receive cash payouts over the years.
As a result, his initial 30 shares grew into 960 shares.
What Should You Do If You Find Old Share Certificates?
If you or your family members have old physical shares, they could be worth a fortune. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you claim and monetize them:
Step 1: Verify Ownership and Check for IEPF Transfer
- If shares were not claimed for many years, they may have been transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF).
- Visit the IEPF website (iepf.gov.in) and use the Search Facility to check if your shares have been transferred.
Step 2: Dematerialize the Shares (Convert to Digital Form)
- Find a Depository Participant (DP): Contact a registered broker or depository (NSDL/CDSL).
- Submit KYC Documents: PAN card, Aadhaar, and bank details are required.
- Fill the Demat Request Form (DRF): This will initiate the process to convert physical shares into an electronic format.
Step 3: Claim Unpaid Dividends and Transfer Shares
- Companies transfer unpaid dividends to the IEPF after 7 years.
- If you’re the rightful owner, you can claim the amount by submitting Form IEPF-5.
Step 4: Update Nominee Details
- To avoid losing track of investments, always update nominee details in your Demat account.
How to Track and Manage Your Investments Efficiently
While discovering forgotten shares can be exciting, it’s important to avoid such situations by properly tracking your investments. Here are some best practices:
1. Maintain a Digital Record of Investments
- Use apps like Zerodha, Groww, or Upstox to manage your stock portfolio digitally.
- Keep scanned copies of share certificates and investment proofs.
2. Check for Corporate Actions Regularly
- Monitor bonus issues, stock splits, and dividend payouts from the company’s official investor relations page.
- Subscribe to stock market news portals to stay updated.
3. Set Investment Reminders
- Mark investment maturity dates in your Google Calendar or a finance tracking app.
- Schedule annual check-ups to review your investment status.
4. Assign a Nominee for Your Investments
- Update nominee details in your Demat and bank accounts to ensure smooth asset transfer.
- Inform family members about your investments to prevent future losses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How do I check if I have forgotten shares?
A: You can visit the IEPF portal or check with your broker to find out if you own any unclaimed shares.
Q2. Can I still claim shares transferred to IEPF?
A: Yes, you can claim them by submitting Form IEPF-5 and proving ownership.
Q3. What happens to unpaid dividends?
A: Companies transfer unpaid dividends to the IEPF after 7 years. You can reclaim them through the IEPF portal.
Q4. How can I prevent losing track of investments?
A: Keep an updated record of Demat accounts, nominee details, and investment statements.
Q5. Can I sell my old physical shares?
A: Yes, but you must first dematerialize them by converting them into an electronic format through a registered broker.
