Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday urged the Chartered Accountants (CAs) to evolve into strategic advisors, ethical guardians and innovators for staying relevant in the present dynamic and technology-driven environment.

Rajnath Singh pitched ‘new set of skills, including critical thinking, emotional intelligence & adaptability’ as an essential requirement in today’s times during his address at the inaugural session of the World Forum of Accountants, organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) here on Friday.

Underscoring the extraordinary pace of technological advancements, the Minister stated that the corporate landscape was once dominated by large, centralised organisations, and this status quo has been challenged by the active surge in the number of start-ups.

He pointed out that transnational trade is now a reality, with organisations growing larger and more intricate, resulting in information explosion.

“This dynamic environment demands constant innovation. The traditional ways of processing and analysing information are being challenged by new innovations whose value is still not clear. These realities mean that as accountants, you must not only learn continuously but also innovate and adapt to stay ahead of the curve, the senior Union Minister told the CAs gathered for the event.

“You are the guardians of trust, the gatekeepers of accountability, and ultimately, the custodians of prosperity in this ever-evolving world. The future not only demands expertise, but also courage & creativity to innovate and uphold the highest standards of your profession,” he emphasised.

Resurgent power

Asserting that India is a resurgent power on the global stage and the businesses and reputation of Indian professionals are thriving internationally, Singh acknowledged the recognition earned by the CAs for their trustworthiness and expertise. “For CAs, signature is not just a symbol, but also a representation of trust, integrity and professionalism. It has the ability to influence financial decisions, shape businesses and impact lives of one & all,” he added.

He phrased ‘accountants’ as the sentinels of organisational transparency, tasked with disseminating crucial information about profits, losses, cash flows, balance sheets, assets and liabilities.

He stated that being trustworthy, truthful, and maintaining integrity are fundamental individual values for any accountant, terming them as the cornerstone of the collective ethos that upholds the credibility of the entire financial ecosystem.

Published on January 31, 2025