Ahmedabad Chartered Accountant Journal March, 2026 1141TMIn the Financial Year 2025-26, the leadership team actively represented 16 sub-committees, each contributingin its respective domain towards professional development, knowledge sharing, member engagement andinstitutional growth.From the Information Technology Committee Chairman’s Desk:Technology Committee (Chairperson: Tapas Ruparelia) encouraged adoption of new technologies throughawareness sessions and practical demonstrations.As the Chairman of the Information Technology Committee, I can say with great satisfaction that this has been afantastic year. The pace of development in the technology space has been extraordinary — technologycompanies have been rolling out new tools and features left, right and centre throughout the year. The lastquarter, in particular, has been nothing short of a roller coaster, making it genuinely difficult to keep pace withthe advancements in AI and technology.As the Information Technology Committee, we have endeavoured to rise to this occasion. Our efforts this yearhave been anchored around three key pillars:• Upskilling — Equipping members with hands-on competence in emerging tools and technologies.• Updating — Keeping members informed about relevant developments, insights, and practical tips.• Providing a Platform — Giving members an opportunity to showcase their skills and demonstrate whatChartered Accountants can build.Upskilling — Hands-On Workshop on Microsoft Co-PilotThe year began on a high note with a hands-on workshop on Microsoft Co-Pilot — a tool relevant to everyprofessional working within the Microsoft ecosystem. The response was overwhelming: the first batch filled upwithin minutes, compelling us to launch a second batch the very next day, which also saw registrations closealmost instantly. This extraordinary response underscored the eagerness of Chartered Accountants to embracecutting-edge technology and stay ahead of the curve. The Committee also organised regular seminars throughoutthe year, providing members with timely insights on AI developments and emerging technologies relevant tothe profession.Updating — IT Corner in the Association JournalThroughout the year, the Committee consistently contributed to the IT Corner column in the Association’sjournal. Through this platform, we shared regular updates on technology developments, offered insights intoemerging trends, demystified technical jargon for a wider audience, and provided practical tips on how CharteredAccountants can imbibe AI and technology into their professional and personal lives. The IT Corner ensuredthat members remained informed and engaged with the rapidly evolving technology landscape, regardless oftheir existing level of technical familiarity.Providing a Platform — Techathon (AI Hackathon)In a landmark event for the Association, the Committee organised the Techathon — an AI hackathon held underthe aegis of the M.G. Patel Initiative. The Techathon witnessed participation from 11 professionals, includingstudents, from across Gujarat. The quality of submissions was so impressive that the jury found it genuinelydifficult to select the best use cases from among the participants. The event sent a powerful message: CharteredAccountants, as domain experts in finance, accounting, and taxation, are uniquely positioned to architect andbuild POC-ready AI solutions — and can very well lead the AI race in their fields of expertise.“From the Desk of Our Committee Leaders”
1142 Ahmedabad Chartered Accountant Journal March, 2026TMLooking AheadNone of this would have been possible without the vision and constant motivation of our President, CA RushabhShah, who himself leads from the front when it comes to technology. His encouragement and forward-thinkingapproach have been the driving force behind everything the Committee could accomplish this year.It has been a truly fulfilling year, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the members through thisCommittee.From the Brain Trust Committee Chairman’s Desk:Brain Trust Committee (Chairperson: Sulabh Padshah) facilitated thought leadership discussions and strategicknowledge sessions for professional enrichment.Brain Trust is a unique concept of the Chartered Accountant Association, Ahmedabad. In which, the respectiveparticipants have been accommodated in one or more than one group and they are having healthy discussionson each posers/query of the particular subject such as Income Tax including International Taxation, BlackMoney Act, PMLA, Benami Law, GST, Audit etc. The above group is lead by the group leader. And finally,respective Trustee of the Brain Trust Meeting will express his views on the each and every poser of theparticular subject.In the year of 2025-26, the Brain Trust committee have organized four brain trust meeting on different subjects.And in all the four brain trust meeting, we have invited eminent speaker from Ahmedabad as well as from outstation. We have received overwhelming response from respective professional colleague in all the brain trustmeeting. All the candidates have taken active participation during the Group Discussion session, which is heartof the Brain Trust Meeting.The brief details of the four brain trust meeting is as under:-We have invited Senior Advocate Shri Tusharbhai Hemani in our first brain trust meeting on “Navigating TaxReforms under Income Tax Act: Insights & Challenges” to deliver his views on the subject.Second brain trust meeting has been organized on “GST Insights – A Mixed Bag” in which, we have invited CAShri Uchit Sheth to deliver the session.The third brain trust meeting was organized on quite different subject such as “Nitty-Gritties of PMLA, BenamiLaw, Black Money Act and their interplay with Income Tax Law & Handling of Investigations and Summonsunder Financial Crimes”. In the third brain trust meeting, we have invited Advocate. CA. Shri Ashwani Tanejafrom Delhi for expressing his view. Advocate. CA. Shri Ashwani Taneja is also Ex-ITAT MemberThe fourth and last brain trust meeting was organized on “Auditing, Assurance, Accounting Standards (AS) andStandard on Auditing (SA) – nitty gritty” for which, we have invited CA Shri Kaushik C. Patel to express his viewon the various posers.From the Direct Tax – Study Circle Committee Chairman’s Desk:Direct Tax – Study Circle Committee (Chairperson: Parin Shah) arranged study circle meetings and technicaldiscussions on direct tax amendments and practical issues.During the activity year 2025–26, the Direct Tax Committee undertook several significant initiatives aligned withthe evolving tax landscape in India. The Government’s reform-oriented and proactive policy framework hasculminated in the introduction of the Income Tax Act, 2025, marking a transformative shift in direct tax administration.In the context of rapid globalization and increasing cross-border economic activity, it has become imperativefor tax professionals to develop a nuanced understanding of international taxation frameworks. The growingFrom the Desk of Our Committee Leaders
Ahmedabad Chartered Accountant Journal March, 2026 1143TMpresence of multinational enterprises in India, coupled with the global expansion of Indian businesses,necessitates continuous professional upskilling in areas such as transfer pricing and international tax regulations.Recognizing this need, the Committee successfully organized a comprehensive lecture series on the IncomeTax Act, 2025, aimed at equipping members with practical and conceptual clarity on the new legislative framework.Additionally, the Committee introduced a dedicated Transfer Pricing Series, conducted for the first time in theAssociation’s history. This initiative received an encouraging response from participants and was widelyappreciated for its relevance and technical depth.The Committee remains committed to fostering continuous learning and professional excellence amongmembers, ensuring they are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the modern tax environment.From the Mutual Benefit Scheme Chairman’s Desk:Mutual Benefit Scheme Committee (Chairperson: Ajit Shah) administered member welfare initiatives andpromoted awareness of benefit schemes.I had the privilege of serving as Chairman of the Mutual Benefit Scheme Committee from FY 2022-23 to FY2025-26. During the Financial Year 2025-26, the profession suffered a great loss with the demise of two PastPresidents and Past Central Council Members, Late Shri Manubhai Patel and Late Shri Ashwinbhai Shah.We also lost two respected members, Late Shri Rohitbhai Mehta and Late Shri Saumil J. Shah.As part of theactivities of the Mutual Benefit Scheme Committee, financial assistance of Rs. 2,00,000 was provided to thenominees of the deceased members in line with the objectives of the scheme.From the Profession Development Committee Chairman’s Desk:Professional Development Committee (Chairperson: Mayur Modha) organized seminars and workshopsaimed at continuous professional education.During the year, the Professional Development Committee remained focused on fostering professional growth,collaboration and value creation for members of the Chartered Accountants Association, Ahmedabad (CAAA).A significant milestone was the conceptualisation of forward-looking initiatives aimed at enhancing members’access to emerging professional opportunities. The Committee places on record its sincere appreciation forPast President CA Sarju Mehta for his valuable support and guidance extended to the Committee during theyear.One of the flagship initiatives launched during the year was “Future Fridays”, introduced from June 2025.Under this initiative, a curated list of professional opportunities—including empanelment, tenders, collaborations,and institutional tie-ups—is shared every Friday through emails. Till date, a total of 44 opportunities has beenshared. This has enabled members to stay consistently informed and responsive to time-sensitive opportunities.In addition, the Committee introduced the “Professional Opportunity Corner”, a dedicated platform to facilitateprofessional networking and collaboration among members. This initiative allows members to connect forpartnerships, joint ventures (JVs), mergers & acquisitions (M&A), multi-location tie-ups, and specialisedconsultancy requirements. Selected opportunities are further disseminated through internal channels and theCAAA journal, thereby strengthening intra-professional engagement.Another key achievement during the year was the establishment of a strategic collaboration with the WadhwaniFoundation under its flagship entrepreneurship initiative. This partnership has been envisaged to support thegrowth of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) by combining the professional expertise of CAAAmembers with structured entrepreneurship development frameworks.From the Desk of Our Committee Leaders
1144 Ahmedabad Chartered Accountant Journal March, 2026TMMessages from the Journal Committee TeamInsights and reflections from the Committee Members and Convener who made this journey possible.Ashish Sharma – Secretary of CAAA“The tenure of CA Tarjani as Chairperson of the Journal Committee has been truly commendable. Under herleadership, the quality of articles has seen a significant and noticeable improvement. Equally impressive hasbeen the timely circulation of the journal within the first week of every month, demonstrating strong planning andexecution.Having served as Convenor of the same committee in the past, I am aware of the immense efforts and coordinationrequired to achieve such consistency and quality. The Chairperson, along with the entire committee, has donecomplete justice to the responsibility entrusted to them.Additionally, Tarjani’s focused efforts in enhancing the reach and engagement of the CAAA LinkedIn page arehighly praiseworthy as it has increased CAAA’s visibility.”Chokshi Shivang Rajulbhai – E. C. Representative“Tarjani and Shreyanshi have brought a freshness to the journal. The quality and relevance of carefully pickedarticles have been commendable. Selection, formatting and layout of these articles show dedication andmeticulous effort put in by the committee. We could see the content page running in two pages with journalhaving numerous articles addressing current issues as well as emerging development areas. Keep up thegreat work!”Sharedalal Jayesh C. – Past President“The monthly journal published by Chartered Accountants Association, Ahmedabad reflects a high standard ofprofessionalism, guided effectively by the Chairperson CA Tarjani Shah and the Convenor CA ShreyanshiRakhasiya of the Journal Committee. The publication maintains excellent quality, clarity, and academic relevancethroughout. Its well-organized editorial approach ensures consistency and credibility. It is truly a valuablecontribution to the scholarly community.”Through this collaboration, businesses are being enabled with curated entrepreneurship programmes,diagnostic and assessment tools, practical growth frameworks, and strategic guidance aimed at buildingscalable and resilient enterprises. This initiative reflects the Committee’s commitment to creating broaderimpact beyond the profession by contributing to the development of the business ecosystem.The Committee expresses its gratitude to all members for their continued support and participation. It alsoplaces on record its appreciation for the contributions and guidance received from all stakeholders during theyear. The Committee further conveys its sincere thanks to the CAAA office bearers for their constant supportand encouragement. A special note of gratitude is extended to CA Rushabh Shah for giving me the opportunityto serve as Chairman of this Committee.With these efforts, the Committee has taken meaningful steps towards building a more connected, opportunitydriven, and future-ready professional community.From the Desk of Our Committee Leaders
Ahmedabad Chartered Accountant Journal March, 2026 1145TMMessages from the Journal Committee TeamRakhashiya Shreyanshi D – Convener“Serving as the Convener of the Journal Committee was a truly enriching experience beyond my routineprofessional work. It gave me a platform to explore both my creative and writing abilities in a meaningful way.From conceptualizing and designing eye-catching, theme-based cover pages to contributing article, everyaspect was both challenging and fulfilling. This journey allowed me to blend professionalism with creativity. Italso enhanced my perspective on content, presentation, and communication. Overall, it was a refreshing andrewarding phase of growth.”Shah Rajni Mangaldas – Member“Journal is a mouthpiece of CAAA. Useful articles and columns with in-depth analysis are still relevant in thisAI Era. Have headed this committee for a few years and wish this mouthpiece will be helpful to the membersand readers in time to come. Also, contribution to the profession by seniors and juniors will be win-winsituations for all. “Shah Monish Suketubhai – Member“The CAAA Journal Committee brings our professional community closer by creating a space where memberscan share knowledge, experiences, and practical insights. The journal is more than just a publication—ithelps us stay updated on changing laws, practices and everyday challenges we face in our work. Membersare encouraged to engage by reading and contributing articles, with young professionals building confidenceand seniors sharing their valuable experience. Being part of the Journal Committee is also a meaningful wayto contribute to the profession. Special sections like “Mannam” offer thoughtful, philosophical reflections,while the crossword and prizes add a fun and interactive touch to the journal.”Shah Mira Sharan – Member“Being part of the CAA Journal Committee this year has genuinely been a very fulfilling experience for me.Vetting of articles deepened our insights and offered us a window to the authors’ perspectives on myriadmatters. The entire process; from discussions to the final output, was a learning in itself and something I’llalways value.A special congratulations to Chairperson Tarjani for putting together such a thoughtful and impactful journalseries this year. Thank you for the impeccable planning in ensuring a steady pipeline of quality articles eachmonth, and for motivating every member to participate and contribute wholeheartedly.Under the stewardship of Rushabhbhai as CAA President, the CAAA, as the Association body and its mouthpieceJournal has continued to strengthen its position and truly reinstate its command within the community.”Shah Yash Dipakbhai – Member“Being a part of the Journal Committee, this year has been an enriching and value-driven journey. The processof conceptualizing, curating, and delivering quality technical and knowledge-based content each month hasnot only enhanced our professional insights but also strengthened our collaborative spirit as a team.The Journal has consistently served as a meaningful platform for knowledge sharing, thought leadership, andstaying updated with evolving professional landscapes. Contributing to this initiative has offered a uniqueopportunity to engage with diverse perspectives, deepen subject matter understanding, and uphold thestandards of excellence expected from our fraternity.As we close this year’s final edition, there is a strong sense of accomplishment and gratitude towards theteam, contributors, and readers who have collectively made this journey impactful. The learnings, experiences,
1146 Ahmedabad Chartered Accountant Journal March, 2026TMMessages from the Journal Committee Teamand connections built along the way will certainly continue to add value going forward.Looking ahead, thefoundation laid this year sets a strong trajectory for even greater innovation and outreach in the comingyears.”Shah Labdhi Niravbhai – Member“So blessed when received offer to be a member of the Journal committee of the CA Association of Ahmedabadas an opportunity received to Contribute the Journal actively. It’s my very pleasure to Contribute to everymonth theme of the Journal and my knowledge is very expanded whether it’s green revolution theme,Information Technology and digital revolution theme or White milk theme. Mananam Articles have a securedplace in my heart and beyond professional GST Expertise. THANK You to CA Association Ahmedabad forbelieving in me and nurturing and sharing the Knowledge by connecting with Experienced Seniors andenthusiastic young bloods. Thank you so much.”Shah Disha Hardik – Member“Serving on the Journal Committee was a highly enriching and rewarding experience that significantly contributedto my personal and professional growth. Being part of the Journal Committee gave me the opportunity to stayupdated with current developments, improve my writing skills, and build confidence in expressing ideasclearly and professionally.Thanks to all team members.”Zanjrukiya Mayurkumar H. – Member‘Being a part of the Journal Committee, this year has been an impactful value experience for me. As my firstyear on the committee, it gave me an in-depth understanding of the effort, coordination, and intent required tobuild a publication that actually adds value. Contributing my own article made it even more meaningful.This year holds special significance as CAAA completes 75 years of its journey. It is commendable that ateam of young members has taken clear ownership and stepped up to transform the journal’s spirit andsubstance including digital presence. The shift is visible in the depth of content, freshness of ideas and in theinnovative approach adopted throughout the year. It is a clear repositioning of the journal as a serious knowledgeplatform.Many young professionals today are avoiding serious reading. There is an increasing dependence onshortcuts, quick summaries, and surface-level understanding. That approach may feel efficient, but it isfundamentally weak. In a fast-changing regulatory and external environment, superficial knowledge becomesobsolete very quickly.I am grateful to have contributed alongside such a committed group. The momentum built this year sets astrong foundation. The expectation now is not to maintain the standard, but to keep raising it.”
Ahmedabad Chartered Accountant Journal March, 2026 1147TMAcross1. India’s consolidation of twenty nine Central Labourlegislations into _________ comprehensiveLabour Codes represents one of the mostsignificant structural reforms in the country’semployment regulatory framework.2. March teaches lessons. Aprils gives opportunityto ______ them.3. The CA Association recently collaborated with_________ Foundation that opens doors for ourmembers and our initiatives to benefit from a worldclass eco-system focused on skills,entrepreneurship and economic growth.ACAJ Crossword Contest - 57Notes:1. The Crossword puzzle is based on this issue ofACA Journal.2. Two lucky winners on the basis of a draw will beawarded prizes.3. The contest is open only for the members ofChartered Accountants Association and nomember is allowed to submit more than one entry.4. Members may submit their reply either physicallyat the office of the Association or by emailat [email protected] on or before30-04-20265. The decision of Journal Committee shall be finaland binding.Prize CourtesyWinners of ACAJ Crossword Contest – 561. CA. Pratik Kikani2. CA. Riddhi ShethACAJ Crossword Contest 56 - SolutionAcross: Down:1. DTAA 4. Trust2. ESG 5. ITC3. Accountability 6. CreditorDown4. The Iran and US-Israel conflict has led to theclosure of the Strait of __________, a vital waterwaythat handles 20% of the world’s oil and 25% ofliquefied natural gas.5. We seem to have forgotten a principle that wasonce considered basic human wisdom : _______and let ________.6. With faceless assessments, scrutiny notices andautomated communication, the intention was clearto bring _______, reduce corruption and ensureobjective decision making.