Expressing concern over the declining of values in public life, the former Supreme Court judge Shivaraj Patil has underscored the need for introspection.
He was delivering the key-note address at a national seminar and 29th annual conference of the Hubballi branch of the Southern India Regional Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) here on Friday.
“The basic values of life such as honesty, credibility and integrity are slowly vanishing. Whether one is a politician, a doctor or any other professional, not much importance is being given to ethics and professional standards in discharging duties,” he said.
Mr. Patil said that it was not enough if one made professional achievement. To get fulfilment in one’s life, recognition by the society was also essential and for that to happen, one must serve the society, he said. Referring to the chartered accounts as a “bridge” between tax payers and the government in getting revenue, he said that the profession had maintained its dignity till date.
Mr. Patil said that as 26 per cent of the Indian population comprised young people below the age of 30 and 35 per cent belonged to those below the age of 35, the future economy belonged to them. Chartered Accountants would have to play an important role in strengthening the Indian economy, he said.
Mr. Patil called on Chartered Accountants to adapt technology to suit the needs of the clients but cautioned them against becoming slaves of technology.
M. Deveraja Reddy, vice-president of ICAI, and Babu Abraham Kallivayalil, chairman, continuing professional education committee of ICAI, were present. Around 400 delegates from across the country participated in the conference.
