- Hails the role of Company Secretaries in shaping a vibrant economy
Guwahati, 14 June (HS): Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya inaugurated the 26th National Conference of Practising Company Secretaries today at a city hotel in Guwahati. The two day conference, organized by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), brought together leading professionals from across the country to deliberate on the evolving role of company secretaries in modern governance and corporate management.
In his inaugural address, Governor Acharya hailed the conference as more than just an annual gathering. He said that the conference is a testament to the reaffirmation of ICSI’s commitment to shaping a corporate India built on the principles of transparency, fairness, and ethical integrity.
Highlighting the significance of the event coinciding with Practising Company Secretaries Day on 15th June, the Governor hailed the historic milestone of 1988, when Practising Company Secretaries were granted statutory recognition to certify annual returns. “That day not only marked professional acknowledgment but also the beginning of a profound responsibility,” he said, extending his warmest congratulations and best wishes to the fraternity.
Reflecting on the growth of the profession, Governor Acharya noted that the role of Company Secretaries has evolved from reviewing legal documents to becoming strategic advisors, risk managers, and custodians of data protection. He also underlined the crucial role Company Secretaries play in India’s transformation into a global economic power. “Through your commitment to ethical governance, you enhance investors' confidence, institutional strength, and economic resilience,” he said. Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Governor remarked, When governance is transparent, trust increases. And when trust increases, the nation progresses.”
Governor Acharya acknowledged the profound impact of digital initiatives like e-Governance, MCA 21, and XBRL which have made corporate compliance more transparent and efficient.
The Governor also highlighted the strategic importance of Guwahati and the Northeast terming the city as the Gateway to ASEAN countries and the North East as the ‘Ashtalakshmi’. “Hosting the conference here underlines the economic and cultural importance of this region,” he stated.
The Governor commended the initiatives like Orunodoi, Swanirbhar Nari–Atmanirbhar Assam, and Assam Start-Up as examples of the state’s push toward self-reliance, innovation, and inclusive development. Expressing confidence in the involvement of Company Secretaries in such programs, he urged the Institute to launch awareness and training programs in the Northeast, especially for women and youth, to accelerate inclusive progress.
Governor Acharya called upon Company Secretaries to embrace the challenges of the emerging era shaped by AI, Big Data, and Blockchain, while grounding their decisions in ethical judgment and foresight. “Let us work together to make India a global leader in ESG governance, climate finance, cyber risk management, and responsible AI,” he said.
The Governor also said, In the resolve of building a developed India and in the journey towards becoming the powerful and vibrant economy, the role of company secretaries is extremely important. I am confident that they will continue to actively contribute to making India a 'Vishwaguru' by becoming champions of good governance, transparency, and responsible leadership.
President, ICSI CS Dhananjay Shukla,Vice President, ICSI CS Pawan Chandak, Chairman PCS Committee CS Praveen Soni, Programme Director CS Sandeep Kumar Kejriwal, Chairman, Guwahati Chapter CS Lohit Bagaria along with a host of other dignitaries were also present in the inaugural function.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash
