The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) organised its 71st Annual Function on February 9, 2021. Shri (CA.) Arun Singh, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

ICAI in its epic journey sprawling over seven decades has built an undisputable brand- Partner in Nation Building. ICAI has sailed through its voyage with conviction, optimism, hope and confidence. Today, ICAI has grown manifold and has created a vast pool of Chartered Accountants, indispensable for practically every sphere of the country’s economy, industry, business and good governance.

At the outset of the function, Shri Rakesh Sehgal, Acting Secretary, ICAI welcomed the distinguished gathering and shared that over the years, ICAI has garnered a niche for itself by rising to challenges and persistently building upon embedded virtues of Independence, Integrity and Excellence.

Addressing the gathering, CA. Atul Kumar Gupta, President, ICAI said “The year 2020 was an unprecedented and unpredictable year strewn with numerous ebbs and flows, yet the lessons we learnt from it are far greater in degree of significance and magnitude than the curveballs it threw. ICAI taking note of the situation, undertook all the required measures so that the future CAs are well equipped to serve the industry & society with their intellectual acumen. The learning should not stop what so ever the situation may be.”

He briefly highlighted the achievements of the Institute during the year which include association with various Govt. initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat, boosting MSMEs, establishment of Centre for Audit Quality etc.

President, ICAI further added “As the economies emerge from hibernation, the accounting community should strive to find innovative solutions to combat the aftermath of the things that have taken place this year. Professional accountants, with their deeper understanding of the processes, procedures and systems, can help business to build early warning structures within the organisations to forewarn about the threats and mitigate the risk.”

Shri (CA.) Arun Singh, Hon’ble Member of Parliament addressing the participants said "CA profession has played a true role of Partner in Nation building and has always been at the forefront promoting various initiatives of the Govt. In the time of COVID-19 pandemic, the CA profession remain at forefront and supported Govt. & society and contributed in COVID fund, distributed kits for the needy etc. throughout the country."

Hon’ble Member of Parliament further added “ Innovation & ICAI are synonymous to each other, as ICAI always keep innovating in every field i.e. curriculum, implementing new global practices, technological reforms, issuing new guidelines etc. to be at the forefront of economic development.” He further added " This noble profession has taught me time management and sharpened by Managerial skills. I am proud to be a part of this profession."

CA. Nihar N Jambusaria, Vice-President, ICAI said “Bound by integrity and transparency, the profession of Chartered Accountancy has been establishing new benchmarks in terms of providing excellent services to the stakeholders and contributing towards the cause of economic growth of the nation.”

He further added “The triumph of our profession must continue even in the times of transition and turbulence. We need to think differently and strive to conquer the emerging challenges, simultaneously exploring and capitalising on the potential opportunities.”

The Chief Guest also distributed awards under various categories to meritorious students, Branches/Regional Councils & Overseas Chapters of ICAI.