BCAS President CA Anand Bathiya’s Message for the Month of April 2025

Here comes April! The Romans gave this month the Latin name Aprilis, but the derivation from traditional etymology is from the verb aperire, meaning ‘to open’, in allusion to its being the season when trees and flowers begin to ‘open’, the season of Spring in the northern hemisphere.

Closer home at Bharat, April also coincides with the pious month of Chaitra, signalling the start of the harvesting season as well as a new calendar year, i.e. Shak Samvat 1947.

Even closer in the financial sector, April marks the beginning of a new fiscal year for commercial entities. As the largest economy begins its financial year in April, entities in our nation use April to assess their performance from the previous fiscal year with the objective to establish performance metrics for the new fiscal year.

For Chartered Accountants, April signifies the commencement of the busier period of the year as we undertake our professional duties for the companies and clients we serve. As your partner in learning and professional development, your Society has been organizing numerous learning and development events and will continue to do so, aiming to enhance our members’ capabilities in managing their professional responsibilities.

In addition to organizing learning events, BCAS consistently publishes the BCA journal, self-paced e-courses, books, and thought mailers to enhance professional skills further. In April, 4 (four) publications are being released by your Society:

1. The BCA Referencer: As a leader in the Referencer format, the BCA Referencer, now in its 63^rd year of continuous publication, is renowned for being a high-quality, practical professional resource that assists chartered accountants in improving their effectiveness with ease. The BCA Referencer, featuring three updated modules on Direct Tax, Indirect Tax, and the latest amendments, is now available for booking through the Society’s website. This comprehensive referencer for Chartered Accountants is the result of extensive efforts by over 20 compilers, 5 senior members, and 3 editors, and it deserves significant recognition for their dedication and hard work.
2. A Compilation of Thought Mailers: Over the years, BCAS members have consistently shared their insights on topics related to personal and emotional development with our community. We are pleased to announce that a valuable compilation of these thought mailers is now available for purchase as a hard-bound book. Secure your copy today to experience the enriching perspectives presented by multiple contributors in this unique collection. We extend our gratitude to all the authors who have contributed to these Thought Mailers over the years.
3. Laws & Business: The much-awaited 6^th edition of the publication on “Laws & Business” is being released by your Society this month. This comprehensive work, authored by (CA) Anup P. Shah, spans nearly 1500 pages across 2 (two) volumes and demonstrates the author’s dedication and expertise. Dr. (CA) Anup P. Shah’s commitment to distilling complex information into accessible content will undoubtedly benefit professionals navigating these critical areas of law. The Society remains grateful for the author’s contribution to our profession. Through this publication, BCAS reaffirms its mission to equip readers with the knowledge required to stay compliant, make informed decisions, and navigate India’s legal landscape effectively.
4. Gita for Professionals: The 7th edition of Gita for Professionals, authored by CA Chetan Dalal, is one of the most widely distributed publications from BCAS. In an era of constant change and evolving professional demands, the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita provides invaluable guidance for navigating modern complexities. This book, now in its 7^th edition, highlights the enduring significance of ancient knowledge in today’s world. Since its initial publication, it has successfully bridged profound spiritual teachings with the practical challenges of professional life. The Society extends its gratitude to CA Chetan Dalal for his dedication to sharing the timeless wisdom of the Gita through his insightful writing.

Over the years, the Society has expanded in size and reach, now addressing the needs of various constituents within the community. To remain relevant and provide value to all stakeholders, three distinct cohorts are taking shape at BCAS:

1. BCAS Youth: This cohort is designed for newly qualified Chartered Accountants. The objective of the BCAS Youth cohort is to organize events and initiatives that meet the needs of young Chartered Accountants. One such initiative of CAMBA: A certified Management Program for CAs, is being held on the 11^th, 12^th, and 13^th April, 2025 in three different batches to help Chartered Accountants enhance their management skills.
2. Women @ BCAS: The progress of our profession and nation relies significantly on the support and strength of our women members. We are fortunate to be in a profession where the representation of women is increasing, and at BCAS, we are committed to advancing this cause. On 24^th March 2025, BCAS commemorated International Women’s Day by celebrating strength, success, and empowerment through an event that showcased the life stories of 3 (three) accomplished women role models.
3. BCAS Nxt: The BCAS Nxt cohort is an ‘of-for-by’ student collective incubated within the Human Resources Development committee towards learning, networking and growth of budding students of Chartered Accountancy. Fresh on the heels of a remarkably successful ‘Tarang 2025’, these young Turks have now progressed to hosting Bootcamps on topics of importance and learning for CA students. A power-packed session on Bank Branch Audit Bootcamp from an article’s perspective was held on 22^nd March 2025, led by student volunteers.

These dedicated cohorts will continue to strengthen their influence in the coming years, addressing the specific needs of their respective constituencies more effectively.

Separately, your Society had the pleasure of hosting and felicitating President CA Charanjot Singh Nanda, President of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (‘ICAI’), Prasanna Kumar D, Vice President of ICAI and members of the central council of ICAI for an interactive meeting with the BCAS Core Group. Year-after-year the BCAS Core Group interactive meeting with the ICAI torchbearers has been a platform for sharing thoughts, suggestions and exchange of ideas for the betterment of our profession. The BCAS community engages closely with and complements the activities and initiatives of ICAI, as both institutions relentlessly work towards the professional development of Chartered Accountants.

Back to April, don’t forget to renew your BCAS memberships for this new financial year as we plan for a professionally enriching new financial year ahead. April is also a month wherein our beautiful nation celebrates diversity through our diverse festivals. Let us celebrate diversity and amplify this unique strength of our nation, leading our countrymen to better, happier and purposeful lives. Festive greetings for Baishakhi, Cheti Chand, Chaitra Navratri, Easter, Eid-ul-Fitr, Gudi Padwa, Hanuman Jayanti, Mahavir Jayanti, Ram Navami, and Ugadi, amongst many others.