Dear Professional Colleagues,

It is with immense gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility I am addressing as the 56^th Chairman of the Bengaluru Branch of ICAI — the largest Branch in India with more than 21,000 Members and 45,000 Students for the term 2025-26. Hailing from a small village, my journey to this esteemed position has been shaped by dedication, perseverance, and the unwavering support of our fraternity. It is both an honor and a challenge to lead a branch that has set benchmarks of excellence over the years.

The theme for my tenure, Jñānavardhanam, “Empowering and Enriching the Knowledge”

I would like to congratulate CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda, who has been elected as the President of ICAI and CA. Prasanna Kumar D, as the Vice President of ICAI for the term 2025-26 and CA. Madhukar N Hiregange, as the Central Council Member for the term 2025-29 from Karnataka State and CA. Revathi S Raghunathan, as the Chairperson of SIRC for the term 2025-26.  I also congratulate CA. Pampanna B E and CA Pramod R Hegde on being elected as Southern India Regional Council Members for the term 2025-29 from Karnataka State.

The New Office Bearers of Bengaluru Branch for the term 2025-26

CA. Hallur Manjunath Mahanthappa - Chairperson

CA. Kavitha Paramesh - Vice Chairperson

CA. Tuppad Virupakshappa Muppanna - Secretary

CA. Shripad Hulgol Narayan - Treasurer

The New Managing Committee Members of Bengaluru Branch for 2025-29

CA. Nischal R Badrinath – SICASA Chairperson

CA. Chandra Prakash Jain T – SICASA Co-opted Member

CA. Vinod Garg – Member

CA. Raghavendra Hegde – Member

CA. Shree Raksha K N - Member

Maha Kumbha Mela – The grand confluence of of Tradition and Rituals

The year 2025 has begun with the world witnessing the recently concluded Maha Kumbh Mela, a remarkable benchmark in large-scale event management. This grand confluence of faith seamlessly blended ancient traditions with modern logistical excellence, showcasing India’s ability to orchestrate vast gatherings with efficiency, safety, and sustainability. It stands as an unparalleled symbol of faith, governance, and human coordination.

I am sure that many of you had the opportunity to experience this world’s largest religious gathering in person and take a sacred dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. As the timeless prayer goes, ಸರ್ವೇ ಜನಾಃ ಸುಖಿನೋ ಭವಂತು ಸರ್ವೇ ಸಂತು ನಿರಾಮಯಾಃ — May all beings be happy, may all be free from illness.

I sincerely invoke the divine blessings for our collective prosperity, wisdom, and well-being in the year ahead."

Union Budget 2025 – Impact & Opportunities

The recently presented Union Budget by Union Finance Minister has set the tone for economic growth, tax reforms, and digital transformation. As Chartered Accountants, it is imperative for us to stay ahead in understanding the implications and opportunities arising from these changes. The Bengaluru Branch is committed to conducting insightful sessions, panel discussions, and workshops to help our members navigate and capitalize on these developments effectively.

Building on the Legacy of Our Past Leaders:

Bengaluru Branch has flourished under the exemplary leadership of past Chairpersons who have laid a strong foundation of excellence, innovation, and member-centric and student centric initiatives. From pioneering student mentorship programs to organizing flagship conferences and embracing technology-driven learning, their contributions have been invaluable. As we move forward, it is our duty to take these initiatives to greater heights by leveraging digital advancements, fostering global collaborations, and enhancing professional development programs.

Let us strengthen our knowledge-sharing ecosystem through cutting-edge seminars and technology-driven learning modules and enhance student engagement with skill-building initiatives, fostering a new generation of competent CAs and promote networking and collaboration with industry leaders to create more opportunities for our members by upholding the values of ethics, integrity, and excellence, ensuring that Bengaluru remains a beacon of professional leadership in India.

New Building - “ICAI Bhawan”, “S. Janardhan Building”, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru

We are happy to inform you all that a New Building, at Rajajinagar, on a land donated by Smt. Sudha Janardhan, wife of Late CA S. Janardhan, named as “ICAI Bhawan”, “S. Janardhan Building”, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, was inaugurated on 9^th February 2025 by Hon’ble President CA. Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal, and Vice President CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda, CA. Cotha S Srinivas, Central Council Member, Chairman of the Infrastructure Development Committee of Bengaluru Gifted Property, in the presence of Past Presidents of ICAI, CA. R. Balakrishnan, CA. B P Rao, CA K. Raghu and CA. Madhukar N Hiregange, Central Council Member Elect, SIRC Chairperson CA Geetha A B and Past Chairmen of SIRC and Bengaluru Branch, Chairman and Managing Committee Members of Bengaluru Branch and KSCAA President and Executive Committee Members.  We wholeheartedly thank Smt. Sudha Janardhan for gratuitously donating the property for facilities to be used exclusively by CA aspirants.

Programs during the month of February 2025:

Totally 56 CPE hours of deliberation were done benefitting more than 3500 Members.

Bank Branch Audit Seminar:

As the Bank Branch Audit season begins in the month of April 2025, One Day Bank Branch Audit Seminar is being organized on Saturday the 29^th March 2025, to appraise the Members on the latest updates, processes and procedures.  Requesting the members to participate in large numbers and be benefitted with the experienced speakers on the subject.

Acknowledgement

A special note of appreciation to the outgoing Chairman CA. Pramod R Hegde, and MC Members of term 2022-25, whose efforts have been instrumental in our Branch’s achievements in winning Best Branch Awards at HO & Regional Council level.

I seek your support, participation, and valuable feedback in this journey of growth and transformation. Together, let us elevate the Bengaluru Branch to unprecedented success and make it a model for professional excellence across the country.

I take this opportunity to wish You and Your Family Members a Happiest Ugadi Festival.

Looking forward to an exciting and productive year ahead!

Yours in Service, 

CA. Manjunath M. Hallur

Chairman 

ICAI - Bengaluru Branch (SIRC)