PUNE: Stressing that chartered accountants play a key role in maintaining the country’s economic health, noted industrialist and social activist Dr. Pradeep Bhargava urged newly qualified CAs to focus on establishing themselves as independent professionals while upholding ethics and social responsibility.Bhargava was speaking at the convocation ceremony organised by the Pune branch of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) at Bantara Bhavan in Baner, where over 650 students received their chartered accountancy degrees.“Whether working in the government, private, or social sectors, chartered accountants must preserve the dignity of the profession through integrity, sensitivity, and humanity,” Bhargava said. He added that the profession today offers vast opportunities both in India and abroad and encouraged graduates to build expertise in specialised domains.Advising students to adapt to changing times, Bhargava said professionals must embrace evolving technologies, maintain discipline in budgeting and time management, and focus not only on “doing well” but also on “doing good” for society.CA Chandrashekhar Chitale, Central Council Member of ICAI and Chief Coordinator of the convocation, said ICAI is regarded among the world’s largest and most credible accounting institutions. He highlighted the growing opportunities available in auditing, banking, finance, law, stock markets, and start-ups.Pune branch Chairman CA Pranav Apte said the event celebrated the perseverance and hard work of students. “The accounting profession today represents transparency, accountability, and trust. Students must continuously update themselves with new skills in a technology-driven environment,” he said.CA Rajesh Agrawal described graduation as the beginning of a new journey and advised students to dream big while staying humble. He also stressed the importance of maintaining physical and mental well-being alongside professional success.CA Rekha Dhamankar encouraged students to create their own professional identity instead of depending entirely on jobs, while CA Abhishek Dhamane reminded graduates that they would always represent ICAI’s values wherever they worked globally.Among those present were CA Nilesh Yeolekar, vice-chairman of the Pune branch, and CA Sarika Dindorkar, chairperson of WICASA of ICAI.
