FROM THE PRESIDENT

By the time this issue reaches you, the mood would be to make plans to celebrate the last festival of the year 2012 – Christmas. It’s time for parties full of fun and high spirits. It’s that time of the year, where everyone is waiting for the year to end and eagerly looking forward for a new and fruitful 2013, by taking vows, setting goals and challenges for the coming year.

The Ministry of Finance has also started formulating plans and proposals for the Union Budget 2013-2014, and has invited suggestions from various Professional bodies and Industry and Trade Associations with respect to direct and indirect taxes. Many of our members must have assisted various industry and trade associations in formulating the suggestions. At BCAS, we are in the process of preparing the Pre-Budget Memorandum, and I invite suggestions on issues or areas that are of concern to large Tax payers, and which if accepted or implemented can bring a sigh of relief.

In order to develop our Society into a learning organisation besides the ongoing professional activities, the entire BCAS team, full of innovative ideas, determination and oneness of purpose, will continue to redefine the manner in which our Society operates towards achieving its vision and mission, albeit maintaining its values and traditions in 2013 as well, and will work towards giving value to members.

We have immensely benefited by the expert guidance and suggestions from our seniors and all of you, and I once again urge you to provide your feedback and suggestions on areas, where you would like your Society to progress and march ahead.

Last month, the death sentence given to Ajmal Kasab, the lone surviving terrorist involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, was executed after due process of law and a full and transparent trial. But still, for the victims’ kin, the loss of their dear and near ones is irreplaceable. By awarding the death sentence and executing it, India sent a clear message to the world that anyone who commits an unruly act of terror will not be spared.

Considering the judicial process in our country, the execution of Kasab within a period of four years after commission of the crime, is welcome, and one hopes will act as a precedent. Expeditious disposal of cases related to terrorism must become a rule and not remain an exception. Thereafter, speeding up of the judicial process must percolate to all other pending litigations.

With profound grief I have to inform you that Mrs. Vandana M. Randive, Sr. Accounts Manager of BCAS, working since last 17 years, passed away at a young age of 43 on 23-11-12 after a short period of illness. It is understood that stress was a major cause of this unfortunate and untimely incidence. May her soul rest in eternal peace and may God give her family the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss.

This is definitely an eye opener for all of us. We must not only accept the fact that today we all are living under some stress or the other, but also take concrete steps to reduce that stress. It may seem that there’s nothing you can do about stress. The bills won’t stop, there will never be more hours in the day, and your career and family responsibilities will always be demanding. But you have more control than you might think. In fact, the simple realisation that you’re in control of your life is the foundation of stress management. Managing stress is all about taking charge: of your thoughts, emotions, schedule, and the way you deal with problems.

To identify your true sources of stress, look closely at your habits, attitude, and excuses:

•  Do you explain away stress as temporary (“I just have a million things going on right now”) even though you can’t remember the last time you took a breather?

•  Do you define stress as an integral part of your work or home life (“Things are always crazy around here”) or as a part of your personality (“I have a lot of nervous energy, that’s all”).

•  Do you blame your stress on other people or outside events, or view it as entirely normal and unexceptional?

Until you accept responsibility for the role you play in creating or maintaining it, your stress level will remain outside your control.

I hope that in the New Year, you all will ponder over this and pay greater attention to your life and stressful situations, which in turn will have a larger impact on one’s health and will help to lead a healthy life. Just remember – We Work for a Living and not Live for Working.

Incidentally, the Theme for BCAS Calendar 2013 is “HEALTHCARE”. Good Health is a kind of Freedom, and being healthy gives us the freedom to live our life the way we want. The 12 months interlaced with subtle preambles of healthcare will guide you throughout 2013 towards Health and wellness.

I would end by a saying of our famous leader Mahatma Gandhi – “It is Health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver”.

Hope you all had a wonderful 2012 and wish you all much purposeful and prosperous 2013 !!