1.
Namasthe madam; very happy to interact with you
through this interview; Please share us about your younger days (School/
college days)
Namaste, Vanakkam Mohan. At the outset I would like to compliment you
for this ‘Know Your Member’ series in a custom-designed format. This shows how
well you already know the member and how much research has gone behind the
questions, making it so member-centric, yet relevant to the readers at large.
I love ‘Namma Bengaluru’ but I revere Hyderabad as ‘Maa
Telugu Talli’ (our Telugu mother) where I grew up until my CS Final. Born
to pious parents who were devotees of the Sringeri Sharada Peetham, I was first
offered to Goddess Sharada in the Shankar Mutt temple at Hyderabad and then
brought home. That explains my name, for which I feel blessed.
As most South Indian girls, my sister and I learnt Carnatic classical
music for many years thanks to my mother’s encouragement. She also instilled
the values of integrity, discipline, truth, hardwork and financial
independence. She would always say ‘be it a boy or a girl, always stand
on your own legs’. ‘Your palm should always be on top (giver) and not below
(seeker)’. Many such adages / idioms that she used in Kannada, Sanskrit
and Hindi have shaped my life, when I look back.
I was quite studious and academically focussed right from my school days
which earned me a ‘double-promotion’ from 3rd to 5th standard.
Standing first throughout, I chose science in my Intermediate college (equivalent
to Plus 2 today). However, due to family circumstances I preferred BCom, which
I completed with a merit scholarship. Thanks
to the tuitions that I gave during my college days, I could self-finance my
education without being a burden on my father. Oh yes, like everyone else in
the ‘80s I also cleared my Typewriting exam in 1st class, all
equipped to begin the life of a clerk. However, as Antony Robbins said ‘It
is in moments of your decision that your destiny is made’. My mother
had drilled it into me that education is the only asset one can have and so I
was determined to study further.
2.
How did you come to know about CS course and kindly
share your journey as a CS Student
Owing to limited financial means, I had to make a choice of picking a
course that allowed me to ‘earn while learning’. As serendipity
would have it, I heard a lady Company Secretary talk about the CS course in our
college career counselling programme way back in 1986. She had distinctly
highlighted that the course could be pursued while in employment since there
was no college education structure and it was all self-study. She also talked about how well suited it was
for women since it could be pursued as a career, alongside having a family.
Both these points drew me to the course though I didn’t know anything about CS
nor had met anyone pursuing it.
Student days were tough. Back then, before the Hyderabad chapter started
in Anandnagar, coaching classes by ICSI were in Little Flower School in the
evenings and that too only for Intermediate (Executive today). Senior members
like past SIRC Chairman S S Marthi, past President Hanumantha Raju Datla and
former ROC, Bangalore M R Bhat were the faculty. We had to depend on the
printed study material and refer other books. Assessment sheets had to be
handwritten and sent by post to get eligibility for taking the exams. I used to
work in the Accounts section of my school the whole day and rush to the coaching
class in the evening, travelling by 2 buses. Would return around 9pm and then
study for 2 hours. Before moving to Bangalore, I was employed as a Junior
Assistant in the A P Labour department which allowed me good time to prepare
for the exams. This was a choice I made though the salary was a pittance.
Just want to highlight that though the class had about 200 students,
only about 10% or less were girls and out of that only 1 or 2 like me cleared
the exams. I took 1 exam at a time and cleared in every attempt except once. Group
studies helped. All said, CS course has always been rigorous and unpredictable.
3. Please share with us your experience as a CS over the last few
decades. Were you in employment first and then switched over to practice?
Yes Mohan. I worked for about 15 years in the corporate sector handling
Company law, FERA/FEMA, Legal, IPR, Banking, Indirect taxes, Insurance and
Foreign Trade Policy matters (FTP). For the last 17 years I am in practice
focussed on Company Law, FEMA, Trade Mark, legal drafting and vetting, due
diligence, legal mentoring for startups and NPOs etc.
Post 2014, there has been a sea change in the regulatory environment
which all of us are experiencing. Opportunities for a CS has gone up multifold.
I remember that in the Swiss JV company that I worked for the longest time,
there was little role for CS. That’s when I proactively took up other areas and
gained expertise in Customs, Excise, VAT, Service Tax and FTP, contributing to
cost savings for the company and its clients as well. Goes to prove that with
our CS qualification and can-do-attitude we can foray into many areas without
restricting to corporate laws alone.
Instead of thinking that we are just doing some compliance work, if we
align our services to the larger goal of
the client / corporate, we can see ourselves contributing to their business and
in turn to the economy. Before leaving the swiss company, I was instrumental in
converting the JV into a WOS by negotiating with multiple stakeholders who were
not on best of the terms. This paved the way for huge investments and growth in
the company over the last 15 years, which I was witness to when I recently
visited them. Made me feel proud when the HR Head introduced me as the ‘lone
lady who single handedly’ opened the doors for expansion.
In practice, apart from servicing the clients, I am happy to have
groomed many trainees who are well established now. I derive happiness when I
see them succeed. I also get to mentor several startup entrepreneurs and section
8 companies, which is hugely satisfying. Largely a women-driven firm, I am
happy to share that we were amongst the top 3 contenders for the PCS Award at
the ICSI Corporate Governance Award ceremony held in Jan, 2024.
3.
We know that you are a cancer survivor and have
been an inspiration to many. Please tell us how you overcame that period.
It is exactly a decade ago that I was under treatment for cancer. There
are lot of life-lessons that I have as a cancer victor which I openly share
with all. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharada-sc-037ba64/. Cancer, unlike
other illnesses comes unannounced without any symptoms and refuses to go
quickly. Treatment is complex, intense, arduous and prolonged. One needs
tremendous will power, faith in oneself, doctors and God, strict discipline
with food and medication, emotional strength through the journey. There is no
cure for cancer, it can only be treated which means recurrence chances are
always there unless you work on your lifestyle post cancer.
I disclosed to all my friends, family, employees and clients about my
cancer and sought their support, which came in multiple ways. By being
transparent I didn’t lose a single client because they saw the confidence in
me. My young team rose upto the occasion and took charge. I carried no stigma
and boldly went about with my bald head covered with a scarf, to all meetings.
Infact I took over the chairmanship of Bangalore chapter even as I was
undergoing radiation treatment. Immediately thereafter was the tsunami in the
form of the new Companies Act, 2013 for which I had to organise several
knowledge sessions throughout my term.
Cancer is a life changing experience that has emboldened me and has
increased my belief in myself and the people around me – ‘People Power’ !
4.
Kindly tell us about your family
I am grateful for a very supportive family –
engineer-turned-entrepreneur husband (we did ‘role reversal’ when he happily
took a backseat from his career so that I can focus on my practice), two loving
sons (one a corporate lawyer practising on his own and the other a professional
chef with the Oberoi group), a dynamic daughter-in-law practising in the High
Court and a ‘man-Friday’ who has been with us for the past 30 years managing my
home and my office in all respects. I cant give a label to this relationship
which is unique and rare to find in today’s world.
Boys have always seen me working or engaged in some societal activity or
ICSI activity. They have learnt to manage on their own and admit that they feel
inspired by all the work that I do. Early on I had set the expectations and so
work-life balance has been easy.
5.
You have been closely associated with the Bengaluru
chapter and have been a Compere or Moderator in many prestigious events. Can
you share some memorable events and about your association with the chapter?
That’s true. My association with namma Bengaluru chapter started when CS
Gopalakrishna Hegde Sir came to my office one day in 2010 and said with his
typical smile “Sharadakka, why don’t you contest the elections this time ?” I
had no aspiration but followed his advice and got into the Management Committee
starting as Treasurer and concluding as the first Woman Chairman in 40 years. Bangalore
chapter MC boasts of a rare camaraderie for years and I can vouch for the same
even now. During my chairmanship the magnificent chapter building was
inaugurated by the Hon’ble Union Minister Mr. Sadananda Gowda, where I
compered.
I feel very elated to have compered almost all the SIRC and National
level conferences held in Bangalore since 2011, including the 49th
National Convention in 2022 which was inaugurated by the Governor and Chief
Minister of Karnataka with a special address by Mrs. Smriti Irani, Hon’ble
Union Minister. Both the CM and the Maharajah of Mysore HH Yaduveer referred to
some statements from my compering in their address which was very encouraging.
So also Swami Veereshanandaji after the valedictory when he complimented me for
the spontaneous compering. Thanks to Past President Nagendra D Rao, 2022 was a
first of its kind NC when an ordinary member like me got an opportunity to
compere at a hybrid event instead of outsourced resources. All the learning as
a Toastmaster that I acquired over a decade came in handy.
Other notable event was the 2012 Capital Markets week when I narrated
the folk story of a truthful cow Punyakoti (who keeps up her promise to a
hungry Tiger by going back to him as his meal after feeding her young calf) to
drive home the significance of dharma / good governance. All the dignitaries on
the dais including Titan MD Mr. Bhaskar Bhat (Chief Guest) were influenced by
the context set by me and many in the audience loved it. There are many such
anecdotes but just being on stage and facing a large audience fills me with
energy and enthusiasm.
I continue to serve the chapter whenever I am called – contribution to
press notes, talking points for the dignitaries, recommending speakers,
editorial board for newsletter and many more. My humble way of giving back to
the profession that has made me who I am.
6.
Your firm's newsletter has been very unique and thought provoking.
Please tell us about the Newsletter.
I am glad you have brought this up. I love writing and Samhita https://sharadasc.com/samhita/ is a medium to
stay connected with professionals, clients, entrepreneurs and public at large.
Starting off as an initiative in 2009 when I had not much to do in the initial
days of practice, I have been able to keep it alive even during my cancer
days thanks to my team which contributes to the regulatory summary and other
sections. Editorial is my baby, my musings, the world as I see and perceive.
Gives me clarity of thought, makes me receptive to things around me, improves
my communication and just helps me unwind. This sets the newsletter apart from
other publications and gets the reader thinking beyond rules and regulations. I
have received good reviews so far and some have even suggested that I must
collate the editorial thoughts and publish a book. Looking for a good publisher
to do the same. Watch out - our 300th
issue is just round the corner !
8. What is your thoughts on CS as a profession today and your message to
the CS community?
Be it the regulators, be it startups or MNCs or NPOs, be it auditors, be
it the Board, be it the CFO or even the unsure entrepreneur who is seeking some
basic advice – as a CS if we are knowledgeable, upright, articulate and
solution-oriented, we receive lot of respect and recognition. Earnings and
success follow.
Over the decades,
the CS profession has
metamorphosed into a respectable, sought after, remunerative and demanding one that
has thrown open the flood gates of opportunities for its members. It is young,
agile, dynamic and contributing to nation building in many ways. As students
and members, it is our collective responsibility to uphold the dignity and
recognition earned from regulators, judicial authorities, corporates, clients
and society at large.
I would like to reiterate what our Hon’ble
former President Mr. Abdul Kalam said ‘Work with integrity. Succeed with
integrity’. I have said a lot in this interview and would like to close
with this simple mantra which ties in with our ICSI motto ‘Satyam vada. Dharmam
chara’. Incidentally, it aligns with my firm’s tagline as well ‘Enable.
Empower. Ethically’ !
Interview By: CS Mohan Kumar, Central Council Member ICSI
