Know your Member - CS S C Sharada

  

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 3^rd to 5^th 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 1^st 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 49^th 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 300^th 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

Know your Member - CS Devika

1.      Tell us about your CS Student days and how you were attracted to this course?

 

I have always been financially independent since my PUC (Plus One). In 1998, I got married and at that time I was working as a lecturer. It was then that I began to think of how to earn more revenue and during those days, CS was not very much in vogue.  Since the subjects of CS course were of interest to me and the fee was very reasonable and the profile looked very promising, I immediately plunged into this journey of becoming a Company Secretary. At this juncture, I must thank my parents who kept saying that education is most important in life. My father used to keep pushing me to study further and that really helped me a lot.

 

As a CS student, I had to go through lot of challenges. Firstly, after marriage, I was living in a big joint family of about 7 elderly people whom I had to take care of and finding time to study was a great hurdle. Secondly, I had no proper place to sit and read and I must thank my neighbours and close friends who offered their space, as and when available, at their homes, for me to go there and study. Be it verandah or terrace or a small garage, and I was there occupying that place for my studies. Those days during 1998- 1999, there were hardly any institutions taking classes for the CS. I had no choice but to study on my own! I made sure that I made a proper timetable and planned my day and night accordingly. I ensured to clock in atleast 12 hours of hardcore study. I gave up on all entertainments, social gatherings and get togethers etc.

 2.      Please share your journey as CS trainee and as a qualified CS.

 

I joined Wipro in the year 2001 as a Management trainee for 18 months and I was yet to complete my final. I was left with one group and I made sure that I don’t waste a single minute. Whenever I got any free time, I would start reading my books. The distance from my home to Wipro campus would easily take me about more than an hour and so I started studying in the bus as well. Thus, I got 2 hours (to and fro journey) to study. Being in a joint family, I had to struggle to find spare time for my studies. My husband was very co-operative and did his best to support me. I learnt a lot at Wipro and it was the Y2K days, so there were lot of activities happening at that time. I was fortunate to learn under the able guidance of CS Satish Menon who was then the Company Secretary and Corporate Vice President – Legal, Wipro Limited.

 

I qualified in 2002, and felt I had climbed the Mt Everest! This was one of the major achievements of my life because I had put my heart and soul to this. I always believed that anything is possible, provided we believe in it & we work hard towards it.

 

Journey as a CS has been really wonderful. I began my career in a manufacturing Private Limited Company. Since the work here was very limited, I began venturing into other areas like handling debtors, creditors and also did shop floor audit. Post this, I worked in an aerospace engineering Company which was later taken over by Mahindra & Mahindra. Here, I got a great opportunity to meet eminent personalities like Mr. Anand Mahindra, Mr. Hemanth Luthra, Mr. Pavan Kumar Goenka etc.  I worked in various Multi National Companies and my last job was at a French Company after which I took a break in the year 2015.

 

I have had great experience in the Corporate world for more than 20 years in my life (15 years as a qualified CS and prior to that, I had taken up various roles like Front Office Assistant, Telemarketing executive and Administrative Head in various Companies) and I truly enjoyed those times. In 2004, my son was born and I had to take a decision to quit my job to take care of him. My mother- in- law was bedridden due to a paralytic attack and there was no one to assist me. It was quite depressing to quit my job but I told myself that I would come back soon.

 

The second sabbatical was during 2015 when my son had to go through a couple of surgeries near his neck and it was inevitable for me to leave my job to give him my full time. But yes, I never gave up and I strongly believed that I would build my career sooner or later!

 

Today my son is 19 years old and I feel very proud that I have done my best for him and I don’t have any guilt about not have given him the priority in life.

 

I joined V Sreedharan and Associates as a Partner in the year 2016. I had known sir for a long time. He invited me to be a partner and I just joined. At that time, many people asked me if I would be able to adjust to practice since I had been all through in employment. I was always confused why such a question is being asked to me. Yes, practice is fully different from employment. But its not difficult to shift. All you need is a right attitude and the flexible nature to adjust and adapt to new situations in life. 

 

3. You wear so many hats- Secretary of Bengaluru chapter for 2023 and now the Vice Chairperson for the year 2024, involvement in social activities, working as a PCS in a firm, managing family - How do you manage all?

 

I have always believed that life is a beautiful journey and that we need to keep adding value to our lives. All human beings have been given 24 hours a day equally on this planet and 24 hours are more than sufficient to achieve all that we want in our lives.

 

Primarily, discipline plays a very important role in managing our time. I don’t believe in wasting any time and for me, my time should be spent on my professional life or adding value to someone’s life by helping them or I should be productively used for the benefit of society at large.  I should be in full control of my time and this approach has helped me in a great way to plan my every day and every activity.

 

Secondly, I am very thankful to God for all that he has given me and I keep counting my blessings every moment of my life. This keeps me motivated all the time to keep doing more and more with all my capacity and opportunities that come my way.

 

I am very delighted to be the Vice Chairperson of Bengaluru Chapter for the year 2024 and I will give my best and contribute for the betterment of the profession. I don’t believe in superficial involvement or involving for the sake of it. I put my heart and soul into every activity that I take up and that’s how I believe one should approach any role or responsibility.

I came into the committee only because I want to give back something in return to this great Institution which has given me bread, butter and some mayonnaise as well!

 

Working as a Partner in a firm is something like living in a family. One should always remember that mutual trust and respect for each other is the key to a successful relationship, be it at home or at work. So, working as a partner has been a great journey for me and since I enjoy leadership and decision making roles, this profile suits me aptly.

 

Thirdly, I strongly believe that in life we should not focus only on earning money. We have to be spiritually and philosophically oriented to stay balanced in life. I started doing some social service at a very young age by helping those in need and over a period of time, it became a habit to me to serve people and I began to focus on promoting education to the girl child. I think doing social service is our responsibility and there is no big deal about it. As human beings we all need to give back something in return to this beautiful life and the best way to do is social service. I also believe strongly in the theory of Karma and next life. In a way, I must say that I am preparing for my next life by doing as many good things as possible in this life.

 

Coming to family, I must mention about the undaunting support I have been getting from both my husband and my son. They both have seen me actively involved in many social activities from many years and they have kind of got used to it as well-😊 I prioritise my activities on a daily basis and that is how I have been able to balance my life in all the spheres. I ensure to give atleast an hour of quality time to my family every day and that keeps it going. I love to buy peace wherever I am and that also helps in preventing from wasting time over petty quarrels etc. Since I don’t have the habit of watching TV over any serials etc, this gives me ample time to focus on all other things and activities.

 

4. Heard that you have acted in some movies - can you tell us about that?

 

Acting in movies came as a chance to me. I have never been really passionate about it, but yes, since the opportunity came my way, I said, why not and I took up the role whole heartedly.

 

Regarding my involvement in movies, currently I have acted in 2 Kannada movies. One movie titled “Ithyaadi” which is scheduled to release on January 26^th, 2024. I have acted as a doctor in this movie and it was a great experience. My dialogues in this movie is quite lengthy and to remember those dialogues along with giving the right expressions was indeed an adventure! But yes, I believe I did a great job (as per the Director’s remark)

 

The second movie is still in the making, wherein I am playing the role of a judge. This role is quite exciting to me since I have always loved to be a judge in my real life.

 

Since most of the shoots happen in the evenings or during weekends, I don’t feel the pressure of managing time.

 

In addition to acting, I was also actively involved in a movie titled “Selfie Mummy Google Daddy” (Kannada movie), which did well in theatres and is available on Amazon movies as well. This movie was based on how the world has got addicted to mobiles and how important it is to keep it under control.

 

5. Your firm consists of Mr. V Sreedharan, Past Central Council Member and Mr Pradeep B Kulkarni. Chairman of SIRC and yourself – Vice Chairperson of Bengaluru Chapter of ICSI. Tell us about your firm's culture and how it encourages in Institute related activities. 

 

We, at V Sreedharan and Associates are a firm of 3 partners namely Mr. CS V Sreedharan, Mr. CS Pradeep B Kulkarni and me. Pradeep has now been elected as the Chairman of SIRC and I am the Vice Chairperson for Bengaluru Chapter for the year 2024.

 

Sreedharan sir has been a mentor to many professionals across the nation and we are not an exception to it! Sir believes that we must contribute to the betterment of our profession and is always encouraging us to take up roles and activities towards the same. Mr CS V Sreedharan himself has always been actively involved in institute related activities and he was the Past Chairman of Bengaluru Chapter in 1997. He was the Central Government Nominee for one term at the Central Council from 1998 to 2000 and was elected twice to the Central Council during the terms from 2001 to 2006. He was an active member in the Companies Act, 2013 Rules making committee. Hence, for us to get involved in Institute related activities happened with great ease, wherein we keep seeing him and learning.

 

Pradeep on the other hand has been in the Bengaluru Chapter for two terms and it has become a culture in our firm to actively contribute to the Institute. Hence, when I mentioned to them about my interest to get involved in Chapter etc., there was hardly any discussion and both the partners agreed to it whole heartedly.

 

Managing the profession as partners and being involved in Institute has been two sides of a coin for all the three of us! Our firm operates like a family and we ensure that the work does not suffer in any way. There is an underlined understanding that the partner who is busy or not available need not worry about the work unfinished, coz the remaining partners shall take it forward from there. The culture at our firm is very warm, helpful and encouraging.

 

6. How do you see CS as a profession and opportunities around it in the coming years?

 

The profession of a CS has been growing day by day and it is currently one of the best professions in the country. The scope has widened to various other areas including IBC, Valuation, GST etc. But a lot of it depends on how each professional will groom himself/ herself and become a successful person.

There are ample opportunities in the industry and we need to make use of these opportunities at the right time. There is a strong difference between profession, professional and professionalism and we need to bridge those gaps to be successful in our lives.

 

Interview by: CS Mohan Kumar, Central Council Member ICSI

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

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 14^th 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 2^nd 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 2^nd 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 2^nd 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