The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today said that Chartered Accountants are the “Ambassadors of Trust” and occupy a place of special importance in India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation. Addressing the 78th Chartered Accountants Day and Foundation Day celebrations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, he said that the profession stands at the centre of India’s economic and institutional development by ensuring transparency, accountability and ethical governance.

The Vice-President appreciated the contribution of the Chartered Accountancy profession to India’s economic growth and lauded ICAI for maintaining rigorous examination standards. Urging the Institute never to dilute these standards, he observed that it is “safeguarding the system.”

Referring to India’s rapid economic progress over the last decade, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan noted that the country has emerged as the world’s fourth-largest economy within a short span and is poised to become the third-largest. He said that while economic milestones are significant, the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, envisaged by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is founded on transparent governance, trusted institutions, inclusive opportunities and prosperity for every citizen. He stressed that economic growth without ethics can never truly benefit society.

Quoting the celebrated Tamil saint-poet Thiruvalluvar, the Vice-President said that wealth acquired through righteous means alone brings lasting happiness. He urged Chartered Accountants to ensure fair competition by protecting honest enterprises and acting firmly against unethical practices. While ease of doing business is essential, he said, it must always operate within the framework of law, and Chartered Accountants have a vital responsibility in ensuring this balance.

Acknowledging the profession’s contribution to landmark national reforms, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said that Chartered Accountants have played an important role in the implementation of GST, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, Direct Benefit Transfer initiatives and reforms in the taxation system. Their expertise, he said, has strengthened transparency, improved compliance and enhanced investor confidence.

Addressing professionals and students, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan reminded them that every audit they conduct, every balance sheet they certify and every institution they advise carries far-reaching consequences for businesses, governments and society. He urged them to uphold the highest standards of integrity throughout their professional lives.

Suggesting a greater role for Chartered Accountants in supporting local enterprises, the Vice-President encouraged ICAI’s district-level associations to develop practical knowledge of products identified under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative. He said such expertise would enable them to guide producers in reducing costs without compromising quality, thereby enhancing competitiveness and strengthening local economies.

On the occasion, the Vice-President launched the Peer Review Board (PRB) Web Portal of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). He also launched the ICAI Jan Utsav Portal, developed in collaboration with MyGov, Government of India, to commemorate the 78th Chartered Accountants Day and promote greater public participation in the celebrations.

The event was attended by the President of ICAI, Shri Prasanna Kumar D.; Vice-President of ICAI, Shri Mangesh P. Kinare; members of the Central Council, past Presidents of the Institute, distinguished guests, Chartered Accountants, and students from across the country.

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PR/ASM/VMJ