Dear Esteemed Members Greetings!
“OM Krishnaya Vasudevaya Haraye Paramatmane, Pranata Klesha Nashaya Govindaya Namo Namaha”
With the divine blessings of the Almighty, I humbly and reverentially assume office as the 42nd Chairman of the Visakhapatnam Branch of the Southern India Regional Council (SIRC) of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). This moment is not merely a transition of responsibility, it is a sacred commitment to serve our noble profession with integrity, dedication, and foresight.
To be entrusted with this responsibility by the members of such a vibrant and respected Branch is both an honor and a solemn duty. I accept this role with humility and with a clear, purposeful vision to strengthen our Branch institutionally, enrich our members professionally, and enable our profession to play an even greater role in nation-building. As Chartered Accountants, we are not confined to financial reporting and compliance, we are architects of economic discipline, custodians of transparency, and partners in governance and national development.
This being my first message in the Branch Newsletter after assuming office, it is a moment of deep gratitude, reflection, and renewed resolve.
With profound gratitude, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to my parents, teachers, family members, friends, my Principal, and everyone who stood beside me throughout my journey. Beyond my parents, I owe a special word of thanks to my wife, who has been the strongest pillar of support in my life and one of the key reasons I became a Chartered Accountant. No achievement is ever individual, it is always built upon the strength, blessings, and sacrifices of many.
One of the most emotional and defining milestones of my professional journey was the oath-taking ceremony as Chairman. I am deeply blessed that the oath of office was administered by the Hon’ble President of ICAI, CA. Prasanna Kumar D, in the presence of CA. Muppala Subba Rao, Chairman, SIRC, CA. Mandava Sunil Kumar, Vice Chairman, SIRC, and CA. Yarra Tirupathaiah, Member, SIRC. It was indeed a historic and proud occasion for our Branch.
The elevation of CA. Prasanna Kumar D as President of ICAI is a moment of immense pride, not only for the Visakhapatnam Branch but for the entire southern region of India. His journey is a beacon of inspiration to our members, students, and young aspirants. It reaffirms the belief that dedication, perseverance, discipline, and adherence to values ultimately lead to the highest recognition in our profession.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to CA. Muppala Subba Rao on his election as Chairman of the Southern India Regional Council (SIRC) of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, CA. Mandava Sunil Kumar Vice Chairman of SIRC on assuming this prestigious responsibility and all other Regional council members. I also convey my warm felicitations to all the esteemed Central Council Members elected to represent our profession at the apex level. We are confident that under your collective guidance, the profession will continue to scale new heights, strengthen its institutional framework, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economic development.
I extend a warm welcome to the torchbearers of the Managing Committee of the Visakhapatnam Branch of SIRC of ICAI for the year 2026–27. Leadership is meaningful when it is collective. Together, as a united and dynamic team, we shall function with transparency, inclusiveness, and unwavering commitment to serve our members and strengthen the professional ecosystem of our Branch.
I also place on record my sincere appreciation for the outgoing Chairman, CA. Sridhar Andhavarapu, for his commendable contributions during his tenure. His efforts in conducting various CPE and non-CPE programmes and his focus on knowledge dissemination have laid a strong and sustainable foundation upon which we shall continue to build. As I assume this sacred responsibility, I wish to outline the core priorities that will guide our functioning during the year.
Dedicated committees will be constituted to design and deliver high-quality CPE programmes covering emerging and critical areas such as developments in the Direct Tax Code, GST updates, Labour Codes, Accounting & Auditing Standards, technological advancements, regulatory changes, and evolving global standards. Our objective is to ensure that every member of our Branch remains professionally competent, ethically strong, and future-ready.
Professional growth today demands more than technical expertise. We will organize meaningful non-CPE programmes, including leadership sessions, personality development initiatives, motivational talks, and knowledge-sharing forums to enhance communication skills, managerial capabilities, and overall professional effectiveness.
A vibrant Branch thrives on unity. Committees for cultural programmes, sports activities, and member engagement initiatives will be constituted to foster bonding, strengthen professional relationships, and promote camaraderie within our CA fraternity.
To ensure inclusive leadership and continuous improvement:
A Suggestion Register will be placed at the Branch premises, enabling members to record their ideas, expectations, and requirements regarding seminars and developmental programmes.
Accountability and responsiveness shall remain our guiding principles.
I am pleased to inform members that the Managing Committee has resolved not to revise the one-time CPE Annual Delegate Fee. The subscription will continue at Rs. 3,000 plus GST for members with less than three years of membership and Rs. 6,000 plus GST for other members. This decision reflects our commitment to accessibility, inclusiveness, and encouraging wider participation. I appeal to all members to consider subscribing to the one-time CPE Annual Delegate Fee scheme and actively participate in Branch activities.
I also urge each of you to consider contributing to the CA Benevolent Fund. Your generosity can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our fellow professionals who may be facing adversity. I am delighted to note that the results of the Chartered Accountants Final Examination were announced on 1st March 2026. On behalf of the Visakhapatnam Branch, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all newly qualified Chartered Accountants who have successfully entered our esteemed fraternity. I warmly welcome you and encourage you to actively engage with Branch initiatives while upholding the highest ethical standards of our profession.
The Visakhapatnam Branch has always been recognized for its unity, vibrancy, and professionalism. With the collective wisdom and active participation of our esteemed Past Chairmen and members, I am confident that we will elevate our Branch to new heights and set exemplary standards in professional excellence and service.
Let us move forward together with integrity in our actions, excellence in our work, and commitment in our service to society. May this year be remembered as one of purposeful growth, collaborative leadership, and meaningful contribution to our profession and our nation.

With warm regards and unwavering commitment,
CA. Patnala Lokesh
Chairman
Visakhapatnam Branch of ICAI (SIRC)