BCAS President CA Kinjal Shah’s Message for the Month of August 2026

My Dear BCAS Family,

My association with BCAS began in 2002, in a communication course for Chartered Accountants, a first encounter whose full significance I could scarcely have imagined then. Twenty-four years later, serving as the 78th President of this Society feels less like a new chapter and more like the continuation of a journey, BCAS itself set in motion. I step into this responsibility with humility, hope and a deep sense of duty, inspired by the three guiding principles of Jainism; “सम्यक् ज्ञान”, “सम्यक् दर्शन”, and “सम्यक् चारित्र”, the wisdom to know, the vision to perceive, and the discipline to do what is right.

On Guru Purnima (29th July 2026 / Ashadhi Purnima), I offer deep gratitude to our Past Presidents and mentors at BCAS. Like one lamp lighting another, our visionary seniors have guided generations of young CAs with integrity, shaping BCAS into the institution it is today.

I express my sincere gratitude to CA Zubin Billimoria, the outgoing President, for his exemplary service, steadfast dedication, and invaluable contributions to BCAS. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we build upon his work.

Celebrating Krishna Janmashtami this month should reminds us of the timeless teachings in the Bhagavad Gita to uphold righteousness, protect good, and fulfill duty which are essential principle for every professional. To bring this enduring wisdom closer to the members, BCAS has released the Gujarati edition of “Gita for Professionals”, now available alongside the English edition. It serves as a practical compass to cultivate integrity, independence and professional skepticism, and to help members achieve greater excellence in profession.

During the year ahead, I hope to focus our collective efforts on strengthening professional capability, creating greater opportunities for young members and ensuring that BCAS remains responsive to the changing expectations of the profession.

The newly implemented India-UK Free Trade Agreement opens significant new horizons for our profession. It will unlock demand for advice relating to cross-border structuring, taxation, transfer pricing, customs, regulatory compliance, assurance and business establishment. With reduced trade barriers and easier mobility, our fraternity now has a wonderful gateway to offer high-value consulting to international businesses and showcase Indian professional talent on a global stage.

The world today continues to witness considerable political and economic volatility. As Bharat enjoys global trust, the world is looking up to her for guidance. BCAS was proud to support ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Ki Oar 4.0’, organised in January 2026 by Jyot India Foundation under the guidance of Jainacharya Yogbhushansuriji Maharaj. His message is deeply relevant today: our ancient wisdom reminds us that the whole world is one family. To resolve modern crises, we must restore core values and establish the ‘Rule of Justice’ in every walk of life.

As the 15th of August approaches, it brings with it a deep sense of pride as our nation celebrates Independence Day. Beyond celebrating our freedom, it is a reminder of our collective responsibility to build a strong Bharat.

As students, we were taught a simple principle: an auditor must always be independent. It sounds straight-forward in textbooks. But in real life, independence is rarely lost in one big, dramatic moment. It quietly slips away through small, comfortable choices.

You may wonder why this matters to an ordinary citizen. The RBI projecting a strong 6.6% growth for Indian economy look wonderful, but behind every economic number lies a set of financial statement audited by professionals like us. Most citizens may never meet the professionals who audit, certify and advise the institutions they depend on. Yet every time they invest, donate, borrow or place their trust in an organisation, they rely on the quality and honesty of our work. That is why professional independence is not just a personal value; it is the foundation of public trust. As India celebrates its freedom, let us renew our commitment to the freedom that our profession demands; the freedom to examine facts without prejudice, to express an honest view without fear, and to act without compromising our conscience. That is how we will honour both our profession and our nation.

Just as national independence grants sovereignty and dignity to our country, independence of thought and action is the very soul of the Chartered Accountancy profession. For a CA, independence is not merely a compliance checkbox or a regulatory mandate; it is a sacred state of mind. It demands unyielding objectivity, fearless professional skepticism, and an uncompromising commitment to truth.

It is my immense privilege to serve as the torchbearer for the milestone 60th Residential Refresher Course (RRC), scheduled from 10th to 13th December 2026 at Ahmedabad. I warmly request our Yuva Shakti to join and witness this historic moment first hand, while our senior members can relive old memories and experience the joyous nostalgia of togetherness.

BCAS is a family where every member’s voice matters. We have launched a members’ survey to understand your expectations from our Society. Please spare a few minutes to share your honest thoughts.

I extend my heartiest wishes for Parsi New Year (Navroz) and Raksha Bandhan. May these celebrations fill your homes with joy, peace and happiness.

Jai Hind.