Sages and wise men have warned us that the indulgent cannot expect to gain knowledge and the learner cannot expect pleasure. One has to choose between enjoyment and knowledge.

That CA professionals have chosen to be eternal students was very evident in the large attendance at the Regional Conference and various Sub-Regional Conferences, Tax Conventions and Theme specific Seminars held across the Region. The presence of dignitaries like the Hon'ble Minister of Corporate Affairs, Govt. of India, Dr.M. Veerappa Moily and the Hon’ble RBI Governor Dr. D. Subbarao along with personages such as CA Motilal Oswal and CA Niranjan Hiranandani at the Regional Conference at NCPA made the learning extremely enjoyable. The variety of subjects and excellence of the speakers motivated Chartered Accountants from Surat to attend the Sub-Regional in very large numbers despite their previous extraordinary attendance at the National Conference during the year. The innovative theme of “Allied Laws” for the Conference at Pune and “Corporate Compliance” for the Conference at Thane saw a large gathering to learn what are the extremely essential subjects. Tax Conventions at Nashik and Kolhapur were a resounding success as well due to the selection of relevant topics and eminent speakers.

My professional friends would do well to look at the upcoming seminars and conferences on Mutual Funds, Banking Sector, Renewable Energy Sector and Gem & Jewelery Industry along with other seminars on IND-AS and PMLA to augment their knowledge in these areas. The study course planned on Co-operative Societies should be attended by new Chartered Accountants aspiring to work in that field. Updation of information on Bank Audit will be available through the yearly series of seminars planned in March.

Our extension of the CPE completion date by three months should enable many to complete the requirement by choosing the kind of subjects relevant to them.

I congratulate Borivali Central Study Circle for taking up a completely different topic of “Non-Violence in the 21st Century” for study circle meeting. I encourage other study circles to select such novel but relevant subjects.

I am happy to inform everyone that our website has got a new look where Members can can have a look at recordings of the speeches by Hon’ble Dr. Moily and Hon’ble Dr. Subbarao uploaded in the web-cast section. It will be heartening for all CAs and Students to note that the Reference Manual 2011-12 is fully uploaded on the website thus enabling users to refer tothemfromany location during the course of their professional work.

A famous quote says, 'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy' to hone the competitive as well as team spirit, everyone should note the announcements of the Inter-Firm and M.L. D’souza Cricket Tournaments and those of the Indoor Games as well to ensure that the fun is not missed.

I am glad to announce the availability of a Hostel for Girls viz. the Draupadidevi Sanwarmal Women’s Hostel at the Saraf College Premises, Malad, for those girls completing their Articleship in Mumbai. The details would be available on WIRC website.

“Remembering Baba”, a book written at the age of 14 by the daughter of our past President, Late CA Rahul Roy, depicts him as a role model for the profession. It will be a fitting tribute to the memory of this extraordinary person that we promote his biography. We have also placed the book review on the Bulletin Board for the month. We all believe in the shloka Nainam Chhindanti Shastrani Nainam Dahti Paavakah | Na Chainam Kledyantyapo Na Shoshyati Maarutah || indicating that he would be back amongst us as the soul is immortal.

My sincere wishes to all who wish to establish stronger relations by celebrating Makar Sankranti and exchanging sweet ‘Til-Gul’ with friends and relatives.

With Best Regards,

CA. Shriniwas Y. Joshi