Aathmiya Namaskara to each one of you,

I hope you all had a joyful Yugadi, a blessed Eid, and a happy Mahaveer Jayanti!

April holds a special place in our professional calendar. For the world, it is simply the fourth month of the year, but for us as Chartered Accountants, it is the true beginning. It is the month when we step into a new financial year with renewed hope, purpose and pride.

The financial year 2026-27 arrives not just with a change of date, but with a wave of significant regulatory change. The Income Tax Act, 2025 and the four Labour Codes have come into effect. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act has been amended, and further changes to the Companies Act are on the horizon. Each of these developments is, at its heart, an opportunity, for us to deepen our expertise, broaden our advisory role, and serve our clients and stakeholders with even greater confidence and position ourselves as Global Advisors

I am reminded of a Vachana from Sarvagna that captures this spirit beautifully:

ಅರಿವಿನ ಅರಿವಿಂಗೆ ಅರಿದಾದ ಕುರುಹುಂಟು |

ಅರವಟಿಗೆ ನೀರಾ ತಾ ಲೋಕಕ್ಕೆ,

ಎರೆಯುತಿಪ್ಪಂತೆ ಸರ್ವಜ್ಞ ||

"True knowledge carries a rare mark of its own — it multiplies only when shared, and deepens only through constant observation and learning."

This is precisely the spirit that guides the Bengaluru Branch. We exist to be that aravattige, a watering point, where members come to refresh their knowledge and return strengthened.

March in Retrospect

The month of March was both vibrant and fulfilling. With bank audit season upon us, we organised a full day seminar on Bank Branch Audit on 27th March 2026, drawing 264 delegates. The seminar offered practical insights into technology driven audit practices, the latest changes in the banking landscape, and audit preparedness. We were honoured to have Ms. Joohi Smita Sinha, CGM, State Bank of India, grace the occasion as Chief Guest.

We also witnessed a resounding response to our one day conference for Women CAs, with approximately 250 members in attendance. The conference was a platform to network, sharpen leadership skills, and strengthen professional positioning, and the energy in the room was truly inspiring. Dr. Tejaswini Ananthakumar joined us as Chief Guest.

The month's other programmes drew strong participation across diverse areas:

Thank you for your participation and encouragement. It is your collective energy that drives this Branch forward.

April Ahead

Building on this momentum, April features a rich programme of learning opportunities. Our Year End Book Closure and Compliance Series - three focused sessions covering Accounting Standards, Income Tax & GST, and the Companies Act respectively, will help members navigate the critical year end period with confidence.

We are also rolling out certificate courses in Information Systems Audit (DISA), Foreign Exchange Management, GST, and Artificial Intelligence, the last of these being offered both in Bengaluru and Hosur.

Beyond compliance, we are expanding into broader professional horizons. A workshop on Wealth Management in Volatile Market Conditions, and half a day seminar on on UK and USA outsourcing opportunities for CAs under our Think Global, Serve Global initiative, reflect the Branch's commitment to helping members grow beyond traditional practice boundaries.

I am particularly delighted to introduce "Moot Tribunal: From Practice to Courtroom",  a new initiative designed with women members and young professionals in mind. Through hands on simulated tribunal experience and expert mentorship, this programme aims to help members develop tax litigation as a meaningful area of practice. I urge you to take advantage of this unique opportunity; the details are included in this newsletter.

As we step into this new year together, let us not merely respond to change — let us lead through it. With preparation, foresight, and the spirit of continuous learning, I am confident that each one of us will make this a year of professional growth and personal fulfilment.

For when we grow together, the profession grows stronger.

Wishing you a productive, fulfilling, and inspiring year ahead!

Yours,

CA Kavitha Paramesh

Chairperson

Bengaluru Branch (SIRC)