Sunday 17 December 2023

KNOW YOUR MEMBER CS T.N.Sridharan

                         

 

We are happy and privileged to write about  CS T. N Sridharan who is doing many charitable activities for the past 20 years. Over to Mr. TN Sridharan..

 

1.        What was your graduation? Tell us about your college days.

 

         I did my B.Sc.,(Physics) From Madras University. I did my graduation from C.Kandaswami Naidu College for Men at Anna Nagar, Chennai.  Thereafter i did my BL from Dr.Ambedkar Law College, Chennai. During college days as i was focusing on my studies and preparing for         competitive exams.

 

2.       What were the Companies you worked with?

         I worked as Company Secretary in Hallmark Healthcare Ltd., a listed company in Delhi from 1994 to 1996 and as Company Secretary in Sri Sarbati Steels Limited, Chennai from 1997-2001.

              3.       When did you first start doing charitable activities? What was the reason behind it?

         In my view, we should not call service to society as charity, but it is a part of our duty.  Only when haves take care of have nots, that brings real peace in the world.  This is the motto of my life. 

 

If we take few underprivileged children and shape them into a valuable citizen, that gives a real meaning to our life. With a view to fulfill this vision, in 2000, in a small way I started an orphanage with 3 children. I put efforts for three years till 2003 to gradually develop the orphanage form rented premises to a building, with about 20 children being provided food, clothing, shelter and education.

 

After 2003, I gave this work to another friend and started providing free job oriented computer education to the poor unemployed youth and free English medium education at Ambattur to 40 poor and under privileged children since 2005 to 2013. 

 

As I met with an accident in 2013 and could not move for sometime, transferred all computers to another organisation viz. Aum Eduation Seva Trust at Tiruninravur.  Aum Education Seva Trust is providing free job oriented computer education, free tailoring course for destituted widows and village womenfolk to stand on their own feet, free tuitions for poor children, free medical camp, eye camp, dental camp for poor people in the remote villages of Tiruvallur District. 

 



For the past 10 years, every year we celebrate Ananda Deepavali where about 1000 underprivileged, orphan, desitituted, tribal children are provided with new clothes, sweets to celebrate deepavali like us.  

 

Personally I am doing in a small way free annadhanam on every saturday to about 30 old destitute people in an old age home near Ambattur and extend support in a small way for the education and feeding of children in an orphanage near Pakkam in Tiruvallur Dist.  

 

Besides this, I am providing free job placement service from my office-cum-home, for the needy youth. 

 

On spiritual side, I conduct free yoga, meditation & personality development session at my home and also in schools for students on "How to sharpen their memory and score 100% at studies  and for adults on "How to overcome stress and improve productivity and lead disease free peaceful life?"

 

My simple principle is Professionalism, Socialism, Spiritualism. So while doing my profession, besides engaging in social activity on a small way as above, I am presently more focused on spiritual practice and I am writing about 100 series of small books to highlight the spiritual values enshrished in various spiritual scriptures like Bagavad Gita, Upanishads, Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Bagavatham and various puranas of Hinduism, Bible, Holy Quran, Buddhisim, Jainism, Sikhism, Judaism, Zorastriasm, Sufism.

 

  

5.       When did you start practice? What was the reason for starting practice?

 

        I started my practice in 2001. The reason for taking practice is that it gives us time to spend for engaging in above activities - spiritualism, socialism, professionalism.  

 

6.       How do you manage practice and charitable work?

 

        Interest and involvement enable to do these duties for spiritual-social-profession. I spend day time for profession, week ends for social work  and early morning for doing samadhi meditation  and evenings for sending spiritual messages for inner peace of humanity.  

 

7.       How does your family support you?

 

        My wife who is a housewife and she restricts herself in carrying on routine household duties. My daughter has completed B.Com and pursuing  CS Executive. My Son after passing +2 and CS foundation has written CS Executive both groups and expecting result.    

 

8.       Any message that you would like to share with CS members/ Students?

     My humble prayer to CS members is to advise their clients to involve in CSR activity in providing free education, job oriented training to needy youth in their respective area of operation.  Besides each member can form a group and share the job needs of their clients so that a needy youth can get a opening.  Students should imbibe in them good spiritual and social values to learn and share their efforts for the wellbeing of the society.

 

Interview: CS Mohan Kumar

Monday 27 March 2023

Know your Member - CS Santhosh, Ventriloquist (Artist Creates voice appear to come from somewhere else, typically a dummy- Doll )

 1.      Please tell us about your parents, family, schooling and graduation

My Father’s name is late M. Ranghai, a State Government Employee and my Mother’s name is  M.Linganama, a house wife.  My parents gave me good values and provided the best education.

I did my schooling, graduation and CS course in Hyderabad.

My wife is also a Company Secretary working in Hyderabad.



2. When did you start doing CS? Kindly share your journey as a CS Student

 

I started doing CS in the year 2002, in between I had a thought it was not possible. But mentors like CS PS Rao Sir and CA Naveen Sir, CS Lavanya Chandra Madam have  pushed me to complete the CS course. I finally qualified in the year 2009.  During the CS journey, I used to regularly perform for the ICSI –Hyderabad Chapter events and SIRC events held in Hyderabad. I am thankful to CS Maruthi Sir who always included my name for the cultural events held in Hyderabad. ICSI Hyderabad chapter Senior members and Past Presidents of ICSI Hanumanth  Raju Sir, and Dr Jagan Mohan Sir treated me with respect whenever I performed for CS events organised in Hyderabad.

 

During the CS student days, I got the opportunity to visit overseas leadership training in UAE and Sri Lanka conducted by Junior Chamber International.

CS qualification gave me wings to fly. During the employment as a CS many senior professionals in the office encouraged and supported my first maiden visit to USA to attend the international ventriloquism convention in year 2012.

3.      After getting CS membership, did you work in Corporate or was in practice? Share this journey as well…

 

After qualification, I had joined as a compliance officer with an Investment banker in Hyderabad.

I had worked with Infra, Nutraceuticals, Edutech and Pharma Companies as a CS.

 During my employment I have attended ICSI international seminars in UAE and UK.

 

  4.      What is Ventriloquism? How you were attracted to it?

 Ventriloquism is an art of voice illusion created by a ventriloquism artiste without moving lips and manipulating a dummy doll with hand.

 

During my school days a Ventriloquism artiste performed in our school. Since then, I had fascination and interest to learn this art. Initially I attended workshops under the guidance of Mr.G.V.N.Raju, a well-known soft skills trainer. After initial training, I did a diploma in fine arts under the guidance of Padmasree Dr.N.V.Madhav from PST University, Hyderabad. 

After qualifying as a CS,  I had travelled to USA to attend the Ventriloquism Convention.

 

This is one of the world’s best Ventriloquism convention, which happens every year at USA. Not only Ventriloquism artistes, but also the people having interest in ventriloquism from all over the world attend this 4-day convention held every year at USA.

 

During the 4-day ventriloquism convention, we get exposure to some of the world’s best ventriloquism artiste shows and workshops to learn more about the art.

This also give an opportunity to meet people from different parts of the world.

 5.      When did you decide to make Ventriloquism and being a Public speaker as your career? How is life after taking this decision?

 

The decision to become a professional ventriloquism artiste was taken at the time of career planning during Graduation.

 

 Subsequently I have attended the public speaking and leadership training and completed Zone trainer programme organised by the Junior Chambers International (JCI), an NGO working for the development of individuals as leaders.

 

Pursued a diploma in fine arts under the guidance of Padma Sree Dr.N.V.Madhav.

 

Attended the special English language courses conducted by the British Council  through the British Library in Hyderabad.  

In year 2019, I have moved completely to make the Ventriloquism and Public speaking as a fulltime career. Life has been great after that. It was my dream and passion to travel across India and other parts of the world to motivate people to be happy and be positive through the art of ventriloquism.  I have travelled to USA, UAE and Germany last year 2022.

 

 

 6.      I am sure you will be able to earn more if you are employed or take up practice, but you still chose to do this. Any thought behind this?

My favourite   motivational speaker is Les Brown, one of the world’s best public speaker. He says when you have dreams, pursue it. Be courageous enough to make your mark in this world.  It is my dream to perform ventriloquism shows across different parts of the world.

I have so for travelled to USA, UK, UAE, Germany and Sri Lanka (travelling USA and UAE regularly). 

In terms of money, there is a lot of scope to earn money through the art;  as an artiste, I meet a lot of professionals from different walks of life from different parts of world.

Whenever I perform and meet the professionals, school teachers, principals, students, I tell them that life has more value when you live it with passion. Not to neglect studies, they should complete their basic education before they get into other fields.

I believe if we have talent and nurture it, one day it will take us around the world. Today my talent of Ventriloquism is taking me around the world.

 

7.      What are the opportunities?

External resources training the teachers on voice modulation and use puppet for class-room teaching.

Giving pep talks and motivating higher-class students to develop positive thinking.

Perform a special show for primary students creating awareness about good behaviour, how to avoid cell phone and TV addictions.

Working with educational institutions in India and the Middle East.

 8        How are you connected with CS Institute now? What is your thought about CS course and Company Secretaries in general?

Connection with the CS Institute:  During the pandemic, I had conducted many programmes online for different ICSI chapters across India. The topics were on developing positive personality, improving communication skills, etc.

I am also doing a CS career awareness programme through the ventriloquism art. Visiting different educational institutions, doing a brief performance and then doing a pep talk about the importance of CS profession.


 CS is a very good professional course. The landscape of the profession is changing. These days I am seeing many CS professionals who are doing excellent in India and abroad.   Some of the professionals are limiting themselves to Company Law. But they can explore many areas and make them more relevant for their job profile. This profession needs continuous improvement in terms of knowledge and communication skills.

 

 Interview by: CS A Mohan Kumar, Central Council Member ICSI

Tuesday 7 March 2023

Interview with Ms Apeksha- AIR 11th Rank in CS Professional

 

Hearty Congratulations Apeksha for getting All India 11th rank in CS Professional. What is your graduation? When did you start the CS Course? How long it took to complete the course?

Thank you for your wishes.

I have studied Bcom Professional at Mount Carmel College, Bangalore.

I started CS along with Bcom.

CS Foundation 2017-AIR 20.

CS Executive -2018

CS Professional 2019- AIR 11.

Hence, it took me around three years to complete CS.


Did you attend any oral coaching classes or did self study?

I enrolled for CS Foundation and Executive classes to understand the depth and scope of the subjects. However, did self study for CS professional with the study material provided by the institute.



Tell us the total period/ time that you prepared for CS Professional. Also, how many revisions are required to get good marks in CS exams?

I dedicated around 5-6 months for CS professional.

Initially, I gave around 20 days for each subject and set a topic-wise time table. This helped me understand the vastness of the syllabus and also I understood the chapters that were easier for me to focus on. Therefore, I made notes on the main chapters and revised more of those to ensure that I gain the maximum marks in them.

Further, I ensured that the last 20 days before exams were for revision. It is important to attempt question papers to understand time management. I was not able to get the right answers during revision. However, this helped to be calmer in the exam hall to think and answer effectively.

Pl share your views on How to prepare and Present for Module 1 – paperwise.

Drafting - There are common points that appears in drafting lease deeds, rental agreements and so on. I ensured that I have common points in drafting for such types of deeds, agreements etc.

That apart, I made brief notes of the chapters that I could remember and revised it. The questions asked here are technical hence noted are required here.

Ethics- It is similar to the above. Business ethics and governance is a dry subject in terms of theoretical and conceptual understanding  The concepts here are inter related and also has references to legal provisions.

 Hence short notes will benefit.

Tax- This subject has a vast syllabus, both in terms of numericals and theory.  Because taxation in CS Executive tests more of theory, I focused on numbericals for this paper. I went through the rest of theory to have an idea and understand the concepts in overview. This helped me attempt theory questions.

Further, do brush up Personal Taxation concepts which you have studied from CS Executive as part II of the papers has questions related to this topic.

Kindly share your thoughts- paperwise for Module 2; We find lot of students struggle in this group. Any specific reasons and suggestion to overcome the difficulties.

I find that group 2 has the most common concepts related to group 1 and 3. While I was confident of getting the highest marks in Group 2, I scored the least in this group. Constant revision of concepts and concise answer writing helps to gain maximum marks here.

Your suggestions for Module 3. There are 2 open book in this module. Give specific emphasis on how to prepare for Open book exams.

Module 3 tests the conceptual understanding of the candidate. Hence, the aim must be to show the examiner that the candidate knows the provisions/concepts and has the ability to interpret case laws. Do not focus on the number of books others carry to the exam hall. Be clear with your syllabus.

Pl share general tips on how to Prepare & Present in CS exams.

Have a timetable balanced with study and relaxation. Ensure to not get bogged down by the syllabus.  Before starting your preparation, go through the entire syllabus of each subject. Form an idea of the chapters in each subject that will help to gauge what are your strengths and focus areas in each subject.

Most of the candidates stress over the vastness of the syllabus. However, focus on the majority of the potions that can be covered and aim to get the maximum marks in that.

Further, take sufficient breaks, preferably in the weekends and take efficient hours of sleep.

If possible, have a mind map and small notes with key words which you can have a look for quick revision. Visualization helps in better retention and answer writing.

For writing the answers, follow the simple approach of Opening-Body-Conclusion. This is highly recommended for descriptive type of questions.

In questions related to case laws and/or provisions, follow the approach of Facts-Provisions- Conclusions. Start with the facts or case given in the question. Follow it with your understanding of the provisions/interpretations as required and end it with a concluding statement in 2-3 sentences.

Allocate time for answer writing according to the marks of the questions. Accordingly, the length of the answers must be in accordance with the marks allotted. A four mark questions can be a page and a 8-10 major questions can be 1.5-2 pages.

Hope this would help you to start off your CS journey. All the best in your future endeavours.

Interview: CS Mohan Kumar, Council Member ICSI

Saturday 11 February 2023

From Security Guard to a Qualified CS - An inspiring life journey of CS Tukaram Jadhav

 Know Your Member – CS Tukaram Jadhav

 Kindly tell us about your childhood. Your schooling & family

I was born on 14th March, 1988 in Shiggaon, Dist: Haveri 581205, Karnataka, in a middle-class family. I am the third child among four [having two elder sisters and a younger brother]. My Parents ran a provision store which was the main source of income for my family.

My family consists of: my Father: Narayan R Jadhav, my Mother: Prabhavati N Jadhav, Sisters: Uma and Renuka, and Brother: Santosh.

I pursued my school education at Nalanda Shikshan Samasthe based in Shiggaon until class 7, then went to SBBMD High school headquartered in Shiggaon and completed my education until PUC in Arts. Though I was an average Kannada Medium student in my earlier school days, I improved a little bit and I had been appointed as a “General Secretary” for PU College, and had been awarded as “Best Student of the Year” and  secured the 2nd topper position in PUC in Arts.

From my childhood I always used to go for work and earn some income for myself during my summer vacations. I worked as a labourer in road constructions, fields, etc. Even my parents were very supportive and they taught me, “Every work carries its own respect, and never ever judge any kind of work as less or big. Whatever work it is, do it with passion, dedication and commitment.” Hence I never hesitated to do any kind of work.

 


What was your graduation?  Understand that you have done various jobs while doing graduation. Please share with us about this period in your life.

Yes, here comes my life’s turning point:

After my PUC, due to my family’s financial crisis, unwillingly I stopped my education and worked as a labourer at a motor vehicle garage in Kalaghatgi, Dist: Dharwad for a year. But my burning desire and thirst for education/knowledge did not allow me to sit quietly. Then I listened to my inner voice consciously and got clarity, then adopted the concept of “Learning with Earning.”

While working at the garage, with my unshakable desire I saved 40,000 rupees working for the entire year of 2008 at the garage and successfully made admissions for B.Com at Kanakadas Shikshan Samsthe (KSS) based in Hubballi, despite the advice of my family and friends, I decided to pursue a career in business rather than the arts, which proved to be a significant turning point in my life.

Even though I studied arts in PUC, I emerged as a topper in my first semester of B.Com. During my second semester, financial issues again struck back on me, which was when I started working as a Security Guard at Ambesh Hotel (known today as Piccollo Bar and Restaurant), I was offered a place to stay with food apart from my salary. I hardly slept during those days, since I worked during the night and attended college lectures during the day. Since my college was situated in the same area, this was truly a very difficult/challenging job for me at that time, as at the beginning I hesitated a lot to do this job, because my college mates pass on the same path every day.  I kept on hiding myself till they cross the road/path.  Because that time, I had a fear that, if they came to know that I was working as a security guard then they would laugh at me, would cut my friendship, etc. Then I expressed it to my Mother that I was not going to do this job. Then my Mother listened to me patiently and smiled. Then she said, “Remember these three words in your life: Hesitate, Shame and Honour [in Kannada : Anumaana, Avamaana and Sanmana]”

First you hesitate to do, whether you can do it or not. Once you are ready to do it with confidence, then you may face the phase of feeling shame/guilty, if you still move further without considering others’ opinion, then there is an honour for sure. This advice from my mother, changed my entire perspective towards my life and started doing security guard job with much more involvement, passion and dedication.

Then my Principal was impressed with my academic performance and later heard about my security guard job. He appreciated my dedication and with the help of Mr Annappa Sir aided me with a better job. With Mr Annappa Sir’s help, I was appointed as a sales executive at Chadha Auto Agencies [Hero Honda Dealership-Hubli], which helped me to come out of a very tedious life of one year, and was able to effectively manage time for studies after work. I successfully completed my B.Com as a 2nd topper in the year 2013, and later went on to study M.Com [Corporate Secretaryship] at KCD College, Dharwad. During my Master's degree, I sourced my income from data entry jobs which I worked from home after college and successfully completed my M.Com [Corporate Secretaryship] as the 2nd topper in my college.

When you were attracted to CS Course?

In earlier days I was not aware about the CS course. During my Master’s degree i.e M.Com [Corporate Secretaryship] at KCD College, Dharwad, our placement officer Mr Hiremath Sir had enlightened us with the details of the CS Course and career opportunities available in the market. Then I got attracted to the CS Course and visited DG Shetty College and gathered complete information about the CS Course and got registered for the CS Executive Programme.

It was a really different experience for me. Somewhere in my mind I had a fear that I was from Kannada Medium student, and how can I pass an advanced course like CS, etc. Again I listened to my inner voice consciously and got clarity over all my confusions. My ultimate goal was, “Making my Parents proud of me and always want to be the reason for the Happy Tears of my Parents.” And so, I decided by hook or crook I have to complete this Course. My greatest strength is that I trust and believe the hidden talent within me and every time it says, “You are amazing Tukaram, Everything is Possible, just go ahead !!!”

I took three attempts to clear my CS Executive Programme, later went to Bangalore with the help of CS Bindhu Madhava Sir, I got an opportunity to work under CS Phaniraj Sir, Company Secretary firm called Phaniraj HS & Associates as an intern and then joined a Chartered Accountant firm called MDA & Co. as a Manager in the Secretarial Compliance Division, while also preparing for the CS Professional Programme.

During one of my days working at the CA firm, I received a heartbreaking news that my father had passed away due to brain stroke at my town, Shiggaon. I prioritized my family over my dreams and immediately went to Shiggaon to stay with my family, and CA Firm MDA & Co extended a helping hand by providing work from home opportunities. Along with that I did my R&D on niche market in my area and identified the need of taxation services. Then I started rendering services as tax practitioner.

Eventually, after five attempts I cleared my CS Professional Programme and then started my own firm called Tukaram Jadhav & Co. The firm witnessed exceptional progress, leading to the expansion to Hubbali and Bangalore.

I am blessed to be the reason of my Mother’s happy tears on many occasions. Yes, I did it!!!

My Mother is my mentor and Goddess and My Father is my real hero.

 

What are your plans for the future?

a. In North Karnataka there is still a need of awareness of the CS Course. I will take the initiative and spread awareness on the CS Course to entire Karnataka and the other States, wherever necessary.


b. Aspire to become the President of ICSI.

c. Serve the fraternity as much as possible.

 

What are your views on the CS Course? How do you think the Course will shape up in the future?

a. Yes definitely, for me, CS has completely changed my life and lifestyle.

b. With this Course, one can reach the highest at a very early age. Highest in terms of positions and in terms of monetary benefits with utmost respect in the society.

c. Once you qualify as CS, you will be a different person full of knowledge and wisdom.

d. If you do this course joyfully, passionately with 100% involvement, dedication and commitment then, you will be truly unstoppable in all aspects/sectors. And I mean it!!!

 

 Interview by: CS Mohan Kumar A, Council Member, ICSI