New Delhi, Feb. 25 -- For generations, the dream of every Indian family was built on a foundation of roti, kapda aur makaan, and owning a physical piece of land was an imperative. A home wasn't just a place for shelter. It was also a symbol of financial security and social acceptance.

As the Indian economy opened up in the 1990s, a new financial pillar began to take shape: Mutual Funds. For the very first time, Indian investors invested in an asset class that was not tangible, such as real estate, gold, or silver. Using Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), thousands of households moved away from the 'safety' of fixed deposits and gold to participate in the growth of the stock market.

But even as SIPs became common, the aspiration to own ...