Dear Valued Reader,
It is invariably difficult to pen the first and the last messages. In the first message, one is a bit nervous as how to start, where to start from etc. whereas in the last message one is baffled as where to end, since one has a lot to share with. The year passed by in a jiffy. And today, I communicate with you for the last time as a President of this august body. One learned judge said: “Language is at best an imperfect instrument for human expressions and feelings”. I, too, find “language” grossly inadequate to express my feelings at this moment, yet let me venture out to convey some of my thoughts for whatever they are worth.
It is said, “This life is a gift of God to us and how we live is a return gift from us to God”. Likewise, the BCAS Presidentship was a boon to me and I hope, I have been able to make some difference, which may be regarded as a return gift from me to the membership. All good things come to an end, and for me, the BCAS Presidentship has come to an end. “One year” may be a small period in the life span of an organisation; but it would certainly leave some lasting imprints in my life. I enjoyed every moment of my tenure. Blessings from elders/seniors, good wishes from peers and colleagues, unstinted support from the Core Group members and the BCAS staff have filled my life with positive emotions of love and gratitude. Encouraging feedback from members about various events, President’s messages and new initiatives; memories of working as a team with core group members; togetherness and brotherhood amongst office-bearers are permanent treasures which I shall cherish throughout my life. I thank one and all for contributing so much to enrich my life.
The month of June 2011 was an eventful month for the Society in many respects. An Education Tour to Europe, from 30th May to 12th June 2011, received an overwhelming response from overseas Universities and Educational Institutions. In all 21 delegates participated. Personally, I learnt many lessons from this tour. Punctuality, importance of time, cleanliness and commitment, are some of the qualities that I learnt from the Europeans, whereas team spirit, adjustments, crisis management and brotherhood etc. are some of the other qualities I learnt from my fellow delegates. Humility and warm reception from great personages such as Prof. Dr. Lehner of Munich University, Prof. Dr. Reimer of Heidelberg University and Prof. Dr. Kees Van Raad of Leiden University touched the cockles of my heart. I learnt an important lesson which is, one should be like a Mango tree which bends as it bears more and more fruits or like a Banyan tree which allows many more trees to grow within and around its periphery in such a manner that no one can identify the originating roots.
Back home, the Government bounced upon Baba Ramdev and his disciples who were on fast to pressurise the Government for effective steps to curb rampant corruption, with the result that, the agitation had to be withdrawn.
It is indeed unfortunate that there are no visual proofs of concrete steps from the Government to eradicate deep rooted corruption. The law and order situation is worsening day by day and attacks on whistle blowers and/or activists of “Right to Information”, who try to unearth scams or corrupt practices are on the rise. It is learnt that all important files pertaining to the scam tainted “Adarash Co-operative Housing Society” have gone missing. Day light murder of journalist, Mr. Dey, on the streets of Mumbai, reveals the precarious law and order situation in the financial capital of India. The less said, the better it is for the State of Uttar Pradesh, where violence against women is a daily feature. Some drastic steps are called for, to restore the waning confidence of masses in the political system or law and order machinery.
A group of about ten members from BCAS visited the tribal areas of Dharampur, Kaparada and Vansda in south Gujarat on 19th and 20th June 2011 for tree plantation and “lokarpan” of the Faco Machine at the Sant Ranchoddasji Bapu Eye Hospital at Vansda where at least 50 patients are operated for cataract every Sunday. Even after 63 years of independence, most of the tribals live in abject poverty. They are still deprived of basic necessities of life, such as food, shelter and clothes. Many of them live in sub-human conditions.
India is a land of contrasts. On the one hand, we find modern cities, with latest malls and fashion shops, five star hotels and lavish apartments, whilst on the other; we find abject poverty and slums. The recent hike in the diesel, LPG and kerosene prices can only worsen the economic conditions of the poor.
The latest available report (2010) on the India’s high net worth individuals reveal that it had only about 1,27,000 people comprising 0.01% of the population whose combined net worth was close to one-third of India’s Gross National Income. The gap between “haves” and “haves not” is widening by the day which may lead to civil unrest and increase in crime unless the Government puts in place an effective policy for inclusive growth. That is why Gandhiji coined the word “Antyodaya” i.e. upliftment of the poorest of the poor. Our aim should be the betterment of those who are at the bottom of the pyramid. The BCAS is involved in some projects for the wellbeing of destitute/nomadic/tribal people who are at the lowest stratum of society. Those of you interested may write to the Society at bca@bcasonline.org.
The rest of the month was eventful with lecture meetings on XBRL and filing of income tax returns. A full day seminar on 18th June 2011 on “Laws Impacting Financial Services” elicited good response from the industry and the practicing members alike. On the same day, in the evening a much awaited “BCAS Referencer 2011-12” was released at the hands of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Mumbai Dr. Rajan Welukar. The theme of this year’s reference is “Gandhi Governance” and to suit the occasion a musical concert titled “Jago Hindustani”, comprising patriotic songs was organised which was very well received. Gandhiji’s teachings are perhaps more relevant in this century than the earlier one. Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, in his celebrated book entitled “Timeless Inspirator-Reliving Gandhi”, has captured kaleidoscope of experiences of 45 distinguished personalities from different walks of life, (such as scientist, industrialist, sports person, social worker, bureaucrat etc.) about Gandhiji’s philosophy and relevance in their lives. According to Dr. Mashelkar what is relevant today is Gandhian Engineering (More from, Less for More) anchored on the two important tenets – affordability and sustainability. When governance as such in public offices is at its low, Gandhian Governance holds the key for betterment and hope. In this context the theme selected by the Membership and Public Relation Committee deserves handsome compliments.
CA. Mohandas Pai speaking on the occasion of the Dilip Dalal Oration Lecture at the Patkar Hall on 29th June 2011 on the subject of “India @ 2030” echoed the necessity of inclusive growth, need for change in the paradigm to accept change and use of technology for growth and development of India. He said that India is poised for the most challenging and exciting times ahead with opportunities galore for youngsters.
Well, friends its time for me to bid adieu. I have experienced tremendous growth, writing to you month after month. I am extremely thankful to you for your encouraging feedback and I shall be missing my monthly communion with you all. Well, I must say that I have had a very satisfying year with support from learned readers.
May God guide you all!
So be it!
Regards,
Mayur Nayak
