THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, DELHI

. Hon’ble MoS, Education and Development of North Eastern Region, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar Ji,
. President, ICMAI, Shri Srinivasa Prasad Ji,
. Chairman, NSC, Shri Vinaya Ranjan P. Ji,
. Convenor, NSC, Shri Ashwin G. Dal wadi Ji,
. Distinguished faculty members, guests and dear students

We are living in a time, where the nature of business, governance, and economic systems, is changing rapidly. Markets are more connected, technology is transforming industries, and decisions are becoming, far more complex, than before. In such an environment, institutions like the, Institute of Cost Accountants, of India, play an important role, in strengthening the economic backbone, of the country.
What makes ICMAI important, is not only its scale, or history. It is the role, it plays, in preparing professionals, for modern economic, and business realities.

Today, accountants and cost professionals are, no longer limited, to maintaining records, or preparing balance sheets. They are increasingly becoming, part of the strategic, decision-making process within organisations.

Every business, whether in manufacturing, services, infrastructure, startups, or government, faces difficult challenges. This is where, your profession becomes extremely relevant.

You are not, simply entering a job market. You are entering, the decision-making core, of institutions and enterprises.
A modern, cost and management accountant, is expected to understand, not just finance, but business models, operations, risk, efficiency, and strategy. Increasingly, you will find, yourselves contributing, to discussions on investments, expansion, pricing, supply chains, and long-term planning.

Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narender Modi Ji, has described Accountants, as a big pillar of Indian economy, and emphasized, how their role was central, to ensuring transparent, and ethical practices, as well as smooth implementation, of economic reforms. That is, a significant responsibility.

And with that responsibility, comes the need, for both competence, and character.

Competence to understand, complex systems, and changing markets.

And character, to apply that knowledge, with integrity.

Because in the long run, technical knowledge alone, does not define, a professional. Trust does.

As you move forward, from this convocation, let me share, a few thoughts, that may help you, in your professional journey.

First, understand the business, not just the numbers.

Numbers are, only, the outcome. Behind every number, is a process, a decision, or a behaviour. Strong professionals, do not stop, at reading financial statements. They try to understand, the deeper patterns, behind them.

Second, focus on clarity.

In today’s world, information is everywhere. But the real skill, lies in simplifying complexity. Your value will often depend, on your ability, to present difficult financial, and operational realities, in a way, that leaders can understand, and act upon.

Third, think long-term.

Markets rise, and fall. Economic cycles, change. But professionals, who remain calm, disciplined, and focused on sustainability, are the ones, who build lasting credibility.

Fourth, embrace technology.

AI, and data analytics, are already transforming, the profession. Routine functions, are increasingly automated, but strategic thinking, judgement, and analytical ability, are becoming, even more valuable. The future will belong, to professionals, who combine financial expertise, with technology adaptability.

And finally, protect your integrity.

In finance and accounting, credibility, is your greatest asset. Once trust is compromised, professional success, becomes difficult, to sustain. Your reputation will always travel, ahead of your resume.
Today’s convocation, is not an endpoint. It is a transition.

It marks the movement, from structured learning, to applied responsibility. The knowledge, you have gained here, will now be tested, in the real world—in boardrooms, institutions, industries, and public systems.

India is, one of the fastest-growing, major economies in the world. But growth also, brings complexity. Businesses are expanding, supply chains, are evolving, and financial systems are becoming, more interconnected.

Professionals like you, will play an important role, in ensuring efficiency, discipline, transparency, and accountability, within this system.

This is why, your contribution matters, not only to organisations, but to the broader idea, of Viksit Bharat.

A developed India, will depend, not only on infrastructure, or investment, but also, on sound institutions, responsible financial systems, and ethical leadership.

As you begin, this next chapter, you will face competition, uncertainty, and pressure. That is natural. But you will also find opportunity—opportunity to grow, to innovate, and to contribute meaningfully, to the economy and society.

If you remain curious, disciplined, and committed, to continuous learning, you will not only, build successful careers—you will build, credibility and trust.
And in this profession, credibility is the real currency.

I extend my best wishes, to all the graduating students, and to your families, who have supported you, throughout this journey.

May you move forward, with confidence, integrity, and, a sense of purpose.

Thank you.
Jai Hind.