Distinguished Members, Former Presidents, Esteemed Guests, and Fellow Professionals,
Please accept my heartfelt gratitude for elevating me to the auspicious position as the President of Association of Corporate Advisers & Executives for the term 2023-24. I am equally thankful to God, My Parents, My Family and Friends for being with me in my pursuit for this opportunity to forward the cause of ACAE.
Let me also share with you that while I entered this meeting hall today, I carried with myself the only ‘Vice” which I had but all of you helped in eliminating that only vice today, making it a history. I am earnestly thankful to all of you for selecting me as the President of this esteemed Association, which I accept with all humility while recognising all the responsibilities that comes with this coveted position.
Sumit Binani
It is therefore my privilege as I stand before this august gathering as the 61st President of our Association. I can feel the special feeling which all my respected predecessors have felt while they earlier stood before you on this podium as the Presidents of ACAE. I can resonate with their then state of high spirits and happiness; those special feelings of joy and motivation to serve the Association; the special feeling of carrying further the legacy of our Association; the feeling of being more responsible; the feeling of being privileged to have been bestowed this prestigious position. To sum up, a feeling of UTKARSH.
Yes friends, when I hear the word Utkarsh, I feel inclined to adopt this as my theme during my tenure as the President. Utkarsh can serve as a meaningful and inspiring theme in various contexts and gels well with the ethos of our Association. Whether it's for an event, a project, a personal journey, or an organizational goal, this theme embodies the idea of progress, excellence, and positive growth. As your President, it shall be my honest attempt to promote a culture of continuous improvement, progress, and excellence at ACAE and thereby Ignite Utkarsh.
“Igniting Utkarsh" shall serve as a call to action, reminding all associated with our Association to embrace the spirit of progress, excellence, and continuous development in all their endeavours. It encourages a mindset of resilience, innovation, and the pursuit of one's highest potential. Therefore, I invite one and all to collaborate with ACAE for igniting UTKARSH.
While carrying forward the spark of Utkarsh, my primary goal shall be to actively engage for increased visibility and branding of our Association while upholding the values that define us. Togetherness and Interdependence would be the key words in my journey and as President, my goal shall be to work alongside all of you, to strengthen and elevate our association. Let me take this opportunity to share a cherished anecdote that epitomises the spirit of leadership, collaboration, unity and service.
In the ancient city of Varanasi, nestled along the sacred Ganges River, there was a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple, though humble in size, was a symbol of deep devotion for the local community.
The head priest of the temple was a man named Hari. Hari was not just a priest; he was a true servant of the people. He would spend his days cleaning the temple, performing rituals, and tending to the needs of the devotees who visited.
One fateful day, a massive flood swept through Varanasi, leaving the temple in ruins. The townsfolk were devastated. But Hari, with unwavering determination, decided to rebuild the temple.
Word spread, and soon, volunteers from all walks of life, from young children to elderly citizens, joined in the effort. Some brought bricks, others offered labour, and many provided food and water for the workers.
As they worked together tirelessly, a remarkable transformation occurred. The temple that once stood as a humble structure now rose to become a grand and beautiful edifice, stronger and more magnificent than ever before.
Hari, with tears in his eyes, addressed the gathering of volunteers, saying, "This temple is not mine, nor is it just for the Gods. It belongs to all of us, a testament to what we can achieve when we come together with a common purpose."
Today, our association is like that temple, a collective effort fuelled by the dedication and commitment of each member and leader. I accept this role not as an individual achievement but as a commitment to serve and nurture this organization, just as Hari did for his temple.
I would also like to acknowledge the incredible work done by my predecessors. They have set the bar high, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and a strong foundation upon which we can build. I am grateful for their guidance and leadership, and I pledge to build upon their achievements to further advance the journey of our Association.
I must admit that I am privileged to have a dedicated indirect tax expert with an eye for details in Tarun Kumar Gupta; a well networked social worker, professional and a singer in Niraj Kumar Harodia; a direct tax litigation expert who is an equally cool customer in Mr. Ramesh Patodia; a five times world champion and a motivational speaker in Shivani Shah Agarwalla; a second generation CA entrepreneur who has also led a vibrant association of Views Exchange in Mohit Bhuteria and who have all gladly agreed to work along-side me as office bearers of the Association. We shall all be fortunate to have continued guidance of Mr P D Rungta, who has made a stellar contribution in forwarding the vision of our association in the immediately concluded term.
To the dedicated team of other professionals who serve alongside me on the executive board and committees, thank you for your commitment and hard work. It is through our collective efforts that we can steer this organization towards greater success and impact. I look forward to collaborating with each of you to drive positive change and propel the journey of our association to new heights.
In conclusion, I once again humbly accept the role of President of this esteemed Association. I am deeply honoured and committed to leading with integrity, transparency, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Together, let us embark on this journey to shape the future of our profession, create lasting impact, and Igniting UTKARSH.
Thank you, and may we embark on a transformative and inspiring tenure together.
Warm Regards,
Sumit Binani
President