Chairman's Message

CA. NEERAV ATULKUMAR AGARWAL,
CHAIRMAN
Ahmedabad Branch of WIRC of ICAI
Dear Esteemed Members,

Greetings!

As we welcome the month of May - a season symbolic of energy, renewal, and growth - it gives me immense joy to reflect upon the accomplishments of the Ahmedabad Branch in the month gone by. May, often associated with transition and aspiration, reminds us of the importance of continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration - values that define our profession and the spirit of our Institute.

The month of April 2025 has been a truly remarkable chapter for our branch, filled with high-quality seminars, impactful conferences, and significant opportunities for member engagement and professional development. It fills me with pride to witness the active participation and unwavering support of our members, which continues to strengthen the foundation of our profession.

We began the month on an inspiring note with a One Day Seminar on “AI in GST – Audit – Office Automation” on 5th April, which was attended by over 380 members. The session opened avenues to explore the integration of technology in our daily practice. We were privileged to have Hon’ble Past President CA Aniket Talati Sir as the Chief Guest, whose insights elevated the session to new heights. A heartfelt thanks to CA Fenil Shah and his dynamic committee for curating such a forward-thinking event that showcased the future-readiness of our profession.

On 11th April, we conducted a One Day Seminar on ICE, encompassing sessions on Startups, the recently issued Guidance Note for Non-Corporate Entities by ICAI, and the much-anticipated GST Tribunal. These discussions were timely and relevant, especially as we support businesses and clients navigating rapid regulatory developments.

The following day, 12th April, was dedicated to strengthening the backbone of audit quality with a Peer Reviewers’ Training Programme, attended by more than 150 members. We express our deepest gratitude to our Respected Central Council Member CA Purushottam Khandelwal Sir for allotting this prestigious training to our branch. The programme played a vital role in enhancing awareness and compliance in the peer review process, which is critical to upholding trust in the CA profession.

A significant milestone was achieved on 18th April with the grand Members Meet, graced by the Hon’ble President and Vice President of ICAI, and honoured by the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel Ji as Chief Guest. The event, held at the stunning Riverfront Event Centre on the banks of Sabarmati, saw an overwhelming attendance of over 1,400 members. Adding to the stature of the event was the address by CA Anand Rathi, an eminent thought leader in the finance and business world. I extend my sincere gratitude to our Managing Committee and Regional Council Members for their steadfast support in executing this memorable event.

Continuing the momentum, on 19th April, we hosted the Seminar on “Shaping the Future of Audit Excellence”, organized by the Financial Reporting Review Board (FRRB). This national-level conference once again witnessed the presence of the Hon’ble President and Vice President of ICAI, and we are extremely thankful to Respected CCM CA Vishal Doshi Sir for entrusting the Ahmedabad Branch with this important initiative. The discussions were enriching and highlighted the evolving landscape of audit quality and ethics.

On 25th April, we organized a robust session on Income Tax, where CA Mehul Thakkar and Senior Advocate Tushar Hemani shared expert insights with an audience of over 180 Chartered Accountants. This session addressed some of the most pressing issues and emerging litigation trends in direct taxation. I sincerely thank Past Chairman CA Sunil Sanghvi and Committee Chairman CA Jiten Trivedi for planning and executing this well-received programme.

On 26th April, a seminar on Insolvency added another feather to our cap. Thanks to the efforts of Committee Chairman CA Sunit Shah, the event was a resounding success, reflecting the growing relevance of the IBC domain among professionals and the need for continuous knowledge updates.

Additionally, I am pleased to share that during this month, we also conducted the Forensic Accounting and Fraud Detection (FAFD) Course at our branch, enabling members to gain specialized skills in the emerging area of forensic audit and financial investigation.

Each of these initiatives reflects our unwavering commitment to the holistic growth and upskilling of our members. I firmly believe that professional development is not a destination but a journey - and your active participation continues to be our greatest strength.

As we step into May, let us renew our focus on professional ethics, excellence, and contribution. I encourage all members to remain engaged, share ideas, and take full advantage of the knowledge and networking platforms created by the branch. Let us collectively work towards building a stronger, smarter, and more resilient professional community.

With warm regards and best wishes for a productive month ahead,

Yours in service,
CA.Neerav Agarwal
Chairman, Ahmedabad Branch of WIRC of ICAI