Greetings

Season’s Greetings and my best wishes for a ‘Very Happy and a Prosperous New Year 2026’ to every Member and my colleagues at the All India Federation of Tax Practitioners (“AIFTP” or “Federation”).

Presidency

It is with profound humility, pride, and a deep sense of responsibility that I assume the Office of National President of the All India Federation of Tax Practitioners in this historic Golden Jubilee Year, marking fifty years of dedicated service to the profession and the nation. My prayers to the Almighty to grant me the strength and fortitude to discharge my duties with sincerity and determination.

Sangha Shakthi on the emblem of AIFTP

The emblem of AIFTP proudly bears the guiding principle of “Sangha Shakti”, which to my mind symbolizes the strength that arises from unity, collective wisdom, and shared purpose. It reflects the belief that when professionals come together with integrity, mutual respect, and a common vision, their combined effort becomes a powerful force for a positive change. Over the years, this spirit of “Sangha Shakti” has enabled AIFTP to serve its members, uphold professional values, and contribute meaningfully to the development of tax jurisprudence and nation-building. It remains the enduring foundation upon which the Federation’s past achievements and future aspirations stand.

The Golden Jubilee Year

This Golden Jubilee Year ought to be a year of gratitude, celebration, and renewed resolve — to honour our legacy, serve the present, and prepare the profession for the challenges and opportunities of the coming years. I call upon all members to actively participate in this journey and contribute meaningfully to shaping the future of our Federation.

The past

Those were the days – I was introduced to this Federation 28 years ago in the year 1997 (I was not a Member of the Federation then, whereas, I became a Life Member of the Federation in the year 2006) as a young Chartered Accountant by my mentor and guru Shri F R Singhvi. Thereafter, I recall, that in the year 1998 Shri P C Joshi gave me an opportunity to public speak on a topic under the then CST Act, 1956. The rest, as they say is history.

My elevation as the National President of AIFTP in the Golden Jubilee Year of the Federation is a mere coincidence in that - AIFTP’S Founder President Shri N C Mehta was a Chartered Accountant and in its 50^th year the President happens to be a Chartered Accountant. If my memory serves me right, I am the Second Chartered Accountant to occupy this esteemed position. Though Shri Sukumar Bhattacharya, our Past President was also a Chartered Accountant, I believe, that he practiced as an Advocate. I also recall the brilliant Late Shri Sasank Sen, Chartered Accountant and Deputy President of the Federation who could not be elevated to the President’s position due to his indifferent health.

The five decades

The completion of five decades is not merely a celebration of longevity, but a tribute to the vision, perseverance, and selfless service of our founders and past leaders, who laid a strong foundation built on the 3 Es – ethics, education and professional excellence. From a modest beginning, AIFTP has evolved into a premier national body of tax professionals, committed to the dissemination of knowledge, representation of professional concerns, and the upholding of the highest standards of integrity.

The last month that was

The dust and din of the 28^th National Convention, the National and Zonal elections are now done and dusted and most of the Committees are now in place. It is that time of the year, to now introspect on the way forward in the Golden Jubilee Year ahead and get down to the business end of the journey.

The next month that would be

The National and State Budgets will be in place in a few weeks from now and the Nation will be on the move. I look forward to interesting times ahead for the profession and tax practitioners in particular. The programmes for the next few weeks have been lined up and I urge the members to participate in large numbers for a meaningful exchange of ideas.

The Journal – The Federation’s mouthpiece

The AIFTP Journal has been a cornerstone of this journey. For decades, it has served as a trusted platform for scholarly discourse, authoritative analysis, and the exchange of ideas, contributing significantly to the intellectual growth of the profession. In an era of rapid legislative changes and technological transformation, the Journal continues to play a vital role in informing, educating, and guiding professionals across the country.

The next 5 years

As we enter the Golden Jubilee Year, it is also a moment to look decisively towards the future. The next five years must be dedicated to strengthening AIFTP as a future-ready, inclusive, and knowledge-driven institution. Our focus must be on deepening academic excellence through research and high-quality publications, embracing technology to enhance learning and member engagement, and nurturing young professionals through structured mentorship and capacity-building initiatives.

Conclusion

I call upon each of you to work towards greater collaboration with academic institutions, industry bodies, and policymakers, ensuring that the collective voice of tax practitioners is heard constructively and responsibly. Strengthening regional units, encouraging leadership development, and upholding the highest ethical standards will remain central to my vision. Above all, AIFTP shall continue to adapt to the evolving tax landscape while remaining firmly rooted in its core values.

I express my sincere appreciation to all past presidents, office bearers, members, contributors, editors, and well-wishers of the AIFTP Journal for their unwavering support. Together, with unity, foresight, and commitment, let us ensure that AIFTP continues to scale newer heights of professional excellence and be of service to the members in particular and the nation at large.

With warm regards and best wishes,

CA S Venkataramani

National President