Dear members of BCAS family,
It is a great honour to be elected the 64th President of the Bombay Chartered Accountants’ Society. Amongst the many projects, programmes and activities that I shall be leading, I particularly look forward to the privilege of contributing to BCAJ which is one of the most prestigious professional Journals, subscribed by many and read by many more.
The arrival of monsoons every year brings happiness all across. Unfortunately this year, the monsoons have wreaked havoc in Uttarakhand. It is one of the larger national tragedies in recent times and the largest the Himalayan ranges have ever witnessed. The rescue operation is over and relief has started. Those stranded have been rescued, the missing found and the dead accounted for. The rehabilitation work will start now but the redevelopment will take a long time; maybe years. BCAS Foundation has made an appeal for donations towards redevelopment work and the funds have started trickling in. In the past, the Foundation has conducted some exemplary rehab work in Gujarat for the earthquake and for the tsunami work in Tamil Nadu & Pondicherry. Like in the past,the Foundation will identify a school or two that need rebuilding and take responsibility to help resume education. I have no doubt that all of you will contribute generously in helping the poorest of the poor.
We all saw what happened in Uttarakhand. We witnessed nature’s fury and the devastation that it can cause. Nature is impartial. The most advanced nations witness earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, tornados, cloudbursts, droughts and what not. These are natural phenomena. But what happens thereafter many a times is a shame on humanity. And that demonstrates the true evolution of a nation. I have a few questions in mind:
1. Have we lost our sensitivity? Are we so accustomed to death, devastation and tragedies of this scale that we have stopped feeling for those affected? Have we become immune? Are we moving from one”breaking news” to another at breakneck speed? What about some feelings, sensitivity, compassion and the urge to lend a helping hand? Are we clannish, casteist, communist and think in terms of “our people” and “theirs”? This is the land of Gods where some go to pray and wash away their sins. Alas, the lives and livelihood of the locals have been washed away.
2. In times of calamity, people come together forgetting their differences and join hands to tackle the disaster calmly, collectively, selflessly and effectively. But what I saw and read coming from the political class was a tragedy of equal proportion. Blaming, criticising and wasting time and resources. Shameful! The politicians indulging in this is not surprising. But we citizens getting dragged into this and mouthing our lines and displaying our political leanings rather than our human side is sickening. It is a time to do good. To share a small fraction from our wealth with those who have lost everything. I’m getting to hear about a few citizens who have rushed there to personally take part in rehabilitation. But those of us who cannot go personally must send our contribution. If you believe in the government then contribute to the Prime Minister or Chief Minister’s Funds. If you feel for the selfless services of the armed forces and appreciate the yeoman’s work done by them, even at the risk of their own lives, then contribute to the army welfare funds. Or else, find a good organisation like BCA Foundation and contribute to their efforts. Those of us who have contributed will know what I mean when I say that there is immense satisfaction when we give. Then the need to be part of unnecessary criticism just disappears.
3. Then there is this thing about comparing our redevelopment efforts with those of advanced nations like the USA and Japan. Most of us come from modest to middle class backgrounds. Don’t we know the difference between the haves and the have-nots? Obviously, the wealthy have better options and opportunities. Same is the case with nations. We are a developing nation. We do not even have enough resources to provide for the hungry and malnutritioned in normal times. It was not a long time ago that we were dependent on aid from the developed nations. Let us stop expecting our governments to have endless resources for rehabilitation for such tragedies. It will happen one day, but that day is not today. It may take a little longer if you factor in the corruption, misgovernance and ineffiencies. Let us recognise this and do what we have to do ourselves.
4. It is sadly comical to see the poor management of rescue operations. It is frustrating. It is heartbreaking. It is disgusting. It is the kind of politicians we elect who form these inefficient governments. There are things we are dependent on the government for. But there are so many things for which we ourselves are responsible for. Our businesses, our communities and our families much more. The question is, are we good managers? Have we prepared ourselves against any calamity? Do we have our disaster recovery plans in place? Have we provided for business continuity plans? What will we do if there is a fire in the office? Or a heart attack in the family? No government here. Us. Think about it. It is scary. Time to change our outlook and approach.
Amongst all the mayhem, one great positive visual was that of the youth from all walks of life rising to the occasion and taking a lead in most activities connected to rescue and rehabilitation. It is estimated that in 7 years the median age of India’s population will be 29 years and that we will be a country with the largest youth population. 29 is an age when we are in our prime. Bodies are young, minds are fresh, energies are high and ideals pure. But this brings with it the necessity to provide a conducive environment to flourish and go in the positive direction. Give them the opportunity and guidance and we will see China-like results, give them angst and rob them of the opportunities and you will have the Taliban.
While the median age of India is getting younger, BCAS’s average membership is growing older. New CAs need to become our members. They need to be drawn in to do voluntary work. Their views, ideas and contribution are necessary for BCAS’s growth. Their needs have to be identified and fulfilled. The organisation must reach out. It is only when we extend our hand can we expect a handshake. I am happy to note that there are a few enterprising young members in the thick of action at BCAS and I look upon them to grow their tribe and take BCAS to the next level.
Here’s wishing everyone happiness and love.
With Warm Regards
Naushad A. Panjwani
