Story of a CA who have utmost faith in GOD and an idol for all those who manages dual responsibility
This is not about struggles of my life but its is about how a life gets changed when God intervenes in your life. Our life plan is written by almighty GOD & if one believes that he is there with us always, one can achieve the life goals. Or at least one can realise the purpose of “being “ in this world
Childhood & moving towards the path of becoming CA
I spent my childhood in Village named Kalol in Mehsana, Gujarat. Later my parents shifted to Ahmedabad for our studies. My primary education was in Kalol & secondary schooling was in “BEST” school in Ahmedabad.I was good at studies when I was in school & in fact studying & teaching was my hobby.When I entered 10th grade, it was time for me to decide which stream to select. In my family everyone , by default, were from science stream. None from commerce stream. I started attending science classes during vacation. But somehow I was not liking the subject & decided to take-up commerce stream & become Chartered Accountant. It was a shock for entire family. Every one started coming & trying to convince that I should take up science stream & become a doctor. Even my school teacher came home to explain my parents that they should convince me to take up science stream. But my parents were
firm & they had given free hand to make choice of my own. Basically I had observed that Chartered Accountants are very rare & respectable. Also, there are very few women into this field. So it was like a “Kick” for me. My grand father was a big support. He always used to say “My Shruti will definitely become a CA”. It was his confidence in me that made me CA.
But there were many years to go before even enrolling for CA course. I started scoring good marks in accounts and commerce & started developing confidence. Now came actually time when I had to start CA course. We didn’t have any coaching classes in Ahmedabad during those times. So it was all about self studies. We used to have lectures
organised by Ahmedabad Branch for Students Meanwhile I came to know about CA Institute’s Library facility & so I started studying there & we were group of about 20 students appearing for CA exams. Some boys used to attend classes in Mumbai & they used to share notes with us. We used to pick up each topic Individually & teach each
other . It was a fun learning.
During that time there was one student conference organised by Ahmedabad branch & I was chosen to present paper on “Accounting standards.” It was like a great opportunity & all of my friends together were very excited. Fortunately,I presented the paper & was selected as best paper writer.
THE DAY
I still remember the day when I became a CA. I was 24 & my parents wanted to get mearried so we had gone to Marriage bureau. During those days we didn’t had any mobile Phones. We just had landline. Today we get results on website but those days results used to get displayed on notice board at institute. So one of my friend called up home & told that I have passed and have become CA. My brother went to institute & checked the result. He informed my grandparents & then the news of my becoming CA spread to entire family. When I came home in evening , my entire house was filled with all family members.”I AM CA- CA SHRUTI SHAH”. I was the first Lady to become Chartered Accountant in my community and there were very few CAs in our entire community.
SETTING UP PRACTICE
I always wanted to do practice. And I found a perfect match in Mumbai & I shifted to Mumbai after marriage. Here the situation was completely opposite. Here in this family every one was CA. The basic degree in the family is CA. Its like ‘you become CA & then you do whatever you want.”
But the greater challenge was lying ahead. Generally fresh CA have competition from outside world but I had competition within family. In our office all services were taken care of by some one or the other. So if I have to make a mark , I have to start something new.During my academic career I had developed interest into two subjects – Incometax & Computers. So I thought of developing a new line of services in computerisation. During those times India was marching towards computerisation & businesses were required to adopt computerised accounting systems. So that’s where I picked up this field of developing and setting up Computerised systems, testing softwares, ERP and making various customised reports. I started approaching small businesses & started getting retainership.
But during first year of my marriage itself I got pregnant & due to health restrictions I could not move out. So I started my office at home. My husband (Jayesh) & Me together decided that he will do front office and i’ll do back office work. It was working well but as we know it take 4-5 years to establish proper practice. By this time I had 2 sons one 5 years and other 2 years. This was the time, my husband was detected with the kidney failure & now anytime he will be required to go for transplant.
We believe in Dr. Aniruddha Dhairyadhar Joshi (Bapu). He is our GURU, our FATHER, Our GOD . He told us not to worry & get the treatment & assured that “nothing will happen don’t worry.” With that assurance we started spending our life surely the pace of growth had become very slow. Every alternate day we had to go to visit doctor who fortunately is Jayesh’s uncle. So in a way we were working for hardly 3 days in a weak & with small kids it was becoming very difficult.Having realised that normal office setup won’t work in my life situation, I developed a
system where I could do my all work online & my entire office files & programmes are with me wherever I go, with no requirement of physical presence to perform my functions.
Which today everyone is doing now during this COVID situation – “Working from home” -I’m doing since 2000.
PASSION TOWARDS PROFESSION
When I was in college & while doing my CA studies I was aiming that someday I’ll become chairperson of Ahmedabad Branch. But here in mumbai I didn’t knew many CAs & with so many responsibilities & Jayesh’s health uncertainties , I had kept those thoughts on shelf.. but I used to attend Andheri West study circle & that had become like my CA family. There they all convinced me to take up convenorship. & during that time God send someone to remind me of my dreams. While talking at home with dad & jayesh they started encouraging me to such an extent I felt they are forcing me to take up elections at WIRC. So I went to Bapu & he asked me not to worry & go ahead & gave assurance that “Dont Worry -Nothing will happen to Jayesh” & that “Kids are like birds , they have to fly on their own some day , so make them independent.” With these words of assurance & confidence I contested election.Many times it would happen that while I was travelling , I would get news that jayesh’s
health is not good & I would return immediately. I had not been able to campaign well. So GOD knew about it. So, just 2 days before election, God sent someone whom I didn’t knew at all , to support me & take me to places & got me to meet 500 CAs.
It takes lot of days between Election & announcement of results. During this period jayesh’s health deteriorated & doctor advised transplant. That day my husband got to perform Pooja in front of Bapu & when we just came out of that place I got message, “I have won the election.” We were not in mood of discussing about this at all. We had to go
next day for checkup. I was wondering how will I be able to manage post transplant life & this additional responsibility of being council member. But next day , when we went to visit doctor & got the checkup done again , he said the levels have come down & there is no need for transplant – we can wait.
Now – focus on council. Now I realised that i’m the only one lady in the entire council of 22 members. And then all elected members started interacting. I didn’t know the process . So I took a stand that I’ll not take position & whoever becomes chairman & whatever be the team , I’ll support them & will work for members. Fortunately I got
chance to become chairperson of WICASA. I never saw who is the chairmen & started supporting all activities & brining up some of my new ideas as well. Meanwhile my husbands health remained good. Some up & downs , hospitalisation & all , had definitely happened, but 3 years went off. By this time I had gained lot of experience & made good friends in council as well.
Again there was election & now we knew time was nearing for jayesh’s transplant. So I was again worried. But I was again advised to contest election. & this time it was time to take up position. So now which team? He had told me that whichever team you go that team will win & also that I should take up position only in 2nd year.
In 1st year of council we had to do transplant for jayesh & it was like for 6 months , he was in hospital & then in isolation for another 6 months. So by the time I had to take position in council, we were all set with the new life & I could fulfil my duty as secretary of WIRC.
By now I had learned to manage kids, home , health , institute, office all of them at one time. I used to take my son from chembur to Andheri early mornings for his skating practice, I used to drop them to school & that was the only time I used to get for them but that 20 min of travel was the best time with me & my kids.
Now When I was towards end of my tenure as Secretary ie during February, My mother-in-law caught up with Cancer. & all my focus now shifted toward her. All this years she stood by me like rock & now it was devastating situation. & so I decided that I would not contest further elections & take care of her. But my Bapu told me to wait before taking any decision & watch for the situation. Unfortunately she passed away in May. But i’m happy that I was by her side during her last breath & we were chanting God’s name.
Again there were elections, this was my third election & still I don’t know which group of members support me , who are my supporters,( baring few whom I know personally).This time it was time to take up leadership role & use my experience to serve members in better way. But the biggest challenge for me now was that my kids had career years during period so excepting 1st year I cannot take up the position. I had lost my mom- in-law, my husband had enough in plate- to take care of himself and office , my mom was in US & under this situation it was necessary for me to give more time to my family. So I put up my concerns to the team but till last moment they didn’t agree. & then I had to take help of team who could understand my concerns. So that’s how I became chairperson, the post which should have come with seniority , love & respect. You cannot work with someone who do not love or respect for you and your efforts & dedication. I’m happy that I could selflessly serve profession, it may not be politically correct.
By now, I had also realised that many of the steps which I want to take for the profession & professionals can be taken only at the central level. Now again there were election & I contested for Central council. During this period there was lot of social media trolling without even knowing the correct facts. & that too, to such an extent , that someone with weak mind, would have collapsed. But my God is always with me. He knows exactly what has to be done at what time. I lost election. For a moment I definitely thought , why did God made me lose election but God has his own plans. Within couple of months, my mother became serious & since they stayed alone in Ahmedabad , I brought them here in mumbai & give her medical attention. I would not have been able to do this I would have been elected.
Now In this lockdown , its such a blissful time, with husband , kids, parents and office, as if, GOD gave me special time to catchup with what I missed during my 9 years of life serving members
I’m happy & contended that my husband today is fine after transplant, my kids, now teenagers , are doing well in their studies and earning accolades for them & more than that , they also realise the presence of GOD in their life. The statement of my father in-law
– “You have fulfilled my dreams”- nothing can be more satisfying than this.
May god prevail in everyones life.