Dear Students,

As we stand on the brink of the upcoming exams, I want to celebrate the unwavering determination and perseverance that each of you has exhibited to reach this pivotal moment. The journey to becoming a Chartered Accountant demands more than academic prowess; it requires relentless dedication, countless late nights, and a steadfast belief in your ability to overcome any challenge.

Undoubtedly, there will be moments of self-doubt and times when the sheer volume of study feels overwhelming. But remember, every one of you possesses the potential to excel. Just look at the countless qualified CAs across India who, like you, once navigated this path. They turned their determination and perseverance into success, shaping the world of finance with their expertise. You, too, have the power to achieve greatness.

This journey is one of continuous learning, punctuated by setbacks that should not define you but propel you forward. Use each setback as a stepping stone, learning from every mistake and emerging stronger. Theodore Roosevelt wisely said, "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." This journey is an opportunity to refine your skills, expand your boundaries, and cultivate resilience that will serve you throughout your career.

At WICASA, we've orchestrated several initiatives in the previous month to bolster your confidence:

• CA Foundation Mock Tests: These tests are designed to refine your exam techniques across Accounting, Business Law, Quantitative Aptitude, and Business Economics, ensuring you're well-prepared for the challenges ahead.

• Seminar on Forensic Audit: Highlighting the growing relevance of forensic audits, this event illuminated new career avenues for aspiring CAs in fraud detection and beyond.

• MSME for CA Students: Equipping you with insights into the pivotal MSME sector, this program explored government schemes and market dynamics critical to the Indian economy.

• Kickstarting Articleship: Providing practical insights and guidance for your forthcoming articleships, setting the stage for a rewarding professional experience.

• Mock Interview & Group Discussion Sessions: These sessions honed your interview skills and ability to navigate dynamic group discussions, ensuring you're ready to impress potential employers.

• CA – The Way Ahead: A comprehensive event showcasing diverse career paths for CAs, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in achieving professional success.

• International Yoga Day: Recognizing the importance of a balanced lifestyle, our students actively participated in the celebrations of International Yoga Day. This event was not just about physical well-being but also about nurturing mental clarity and inner strength. Many of our women students also attended the special session on 'Yoga for Women Empowerment', emphasizing the role of yoga in fostering empowerment, confidence, and holistic health among women.

• Yoga Day provided a valuable opportunity for our students to embrace the principles of "healthy mind in a healthy body". It reinforced the significance of mindfulness and physical fitness in maintaining overall well-being, essential for their personal and professional growth. It demonstrated how we are committed to promoting wellness alongside academic and professional excellence, ensuring our students are equipped to thrive in all aspects of their lives.

• National Talent Hunt:

• Mumbai City Level Quiz Competition

  This competition tested the knowledge of CA students across a wide spectrum of topics, with a focus on General Awareness alongside core CA subjects such as Auditing, Accounting, Corporate Laws, and Taxation. The highlight was the intense Rapid-Fire Round, where participants demonstrated not only their knowledge but also their ability to perform under pressure with calmness and agility. This event underscored the dedication and intellectual prowess of Mumbai's CA student community, promising a bright future for the profession.

  Mumbai City Level Elocution Competition

  Witnessing a remarkable turnout of talented students, this competition was a phenomenal success. The participants delivered well-researched and eloquent speeches before a panel of judges and peers, showcasing their ability to articulate complex ideas effectively. Beyond showcasing talent, this competition provided a crucial platform for students to enhance their public speaking skills and build confidence, invaluable assets for their future careers.

  Regional Level Essay Competition

  This event also saw enthusiastic participation, where students delved deep into their chosen topics, demonstrating insightful analysis and clear communication skills. This event highlighted the well-rounded skill set of CA students, adept not only in their academic pursuits but also in effectively conveying their ideas in a compelling manner.

  Regional Level Pitch Deck Competition

  This event ignited a passion for creativity and entrepreneurship among participants. Here, budding entrepreneurs presented innovative solutions to real-world challenges, impressing judges with their problem-solving abilities, market strategies, and presentation skills. This competition not only provided a platform to showcase ideas but also nurtured a spirit of innovation and business ownership among the future leaders of the profession.

• CA Run for Viksit Bharat: In a nationwide initiative to commemorate 75 years of the CA profession's contribution to India's development, ICAI brought together members, students, and communities across the country and beyond for the 'CA Run for Viksit Bharat'. This event was aligned with Prime Minister Modi's vision of a developed India by 2047.

  In Mumbai, WIRC, in collaboration with WICASA of WIRC, organized a vibrant 5 km run. Held at RVG Hostel, Andheri West, the event saw enthusiastic participation from students across Mumbai. Participants embraced the spirit of unity and celebration, receiving participation certificates, with trophies presented to outstanding achievers.

  The success of this event was a testament to the enthusiasm and support of our students, highlighting their commitment to both physical well-being and the noble ideals of our profession.

  A hearty congratulations to all participants for making the 'CA Run for Viksit Bharat' a resounding success!

All these events underscore WICASA's commitment to fostering holistic development among CA students, equipping them with skills essential for their professional journeys. They also serve as a testament to the talent and potential within our student community, promising a bright and innovative future for the accounting profession in India.

Besides, there were several state level, mega level and national level conferences conducted at various branches of WICASA in the past month, such as:

• Nashik Branch State Level Conference, led by CA Vishal Wani (Chairperson, WICASA Nashik)

• Chhatrapati Shambhajinagar Branch Mega Conference, led by CA Kedar Pande (Chairperson, WICASA CSN)

• Nagpur Branch National Conference, led by CA Trupti Bhattad (Chairperson, WICASA Nagpur)

I wish a very hearty congratulations to each one of the above branches and their office bearers for hosting the flagship conference of their respective branch with a grand success!

Towards the end, I would just like to say that as you prepare for your exams, remember that WICASA stands beside you as a community and you all are a part of our community as WICASA Buddies. Embrace your exams with unwavering determination, knowing that each step forward builds the foundation for your remarkable career.

 

Best Wishes,
CA Piyush Premsukh Chandak
Chairman,
Western India Chartered Accountants Students Association (WIRC)