Quarterly Newsletter of ASA & Associates LLP // Corporate Catalyst India

Volume 21 | Issue 4 January-March 2018

3 ASA/CCI @ Glance

5 Technical Sessions

MANAGEMENT FUNDA 6 Fun & Frolic he began to realize how promptly dug him out and warm he was. The dung ate him. 12 Relive a Moment A little bird was flying south was actually thawing him Moral of the Story - for the winter. It was so cold out! He lay there all warm 13 Talent Unfold Not everyone who shits on that the bird froze and fell and happy, and soon began you is your enemy. to the ground into a large to sing for joy. A passing 14 Travel Diaries field. While he was lying cat heard the bird singing Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend. 19 Coffee with Connect there, a cow came by and and came to investigate. dropped some dung on him. Following the sound, the cat And when you’re in deep shit, 20 On a Lighter Note As the frozen bird lay there discovered the bird under it’s best to keep in the pile of cow dung, the pile of cow dung, and your mouth shut! A word from our Founder Partner

Let’s begin the new fiscal on a great note. Solid commitments are the right beginnings. Your partners have deeply pondered our past approach, be it work or growth ideas. We have re-structured our approach AND redefined entire operations, and many more are on THE way now. We have re-committed to making our firm far better than ever, in terms of work environment and the quality of work. As the story unfolds, your involvement will be crucial. My congratulations to SC TD and SC Connect for the splendid job they did which was enthusiastically recognised. I remember the jolly mood in which this was announced on our anniversary, and the pictures in here are a testimonial to that. Published at New Delhi Office: 81/1, 3rd Floor, Adchini, I am happy, as are all the partners, to share our core value systems. These, taken Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi 110 017. together, will give you an insight into the heart of ASA-CCI, as will the caricatures in Tel (91) (11) 4100 9999 the end tell you what delights 2 of us partners!

Editorial and Content Team In closing, I share my urge to throw you in hot water, so as to discover your eggness, Bikramjit Singh Bedi, Vimmi potatoeness or beanesss. Confused? Read on. Sachdeva, Shivangi, Prateek Gupta, Vidhi Sharma, Harbany Kaur, Happy Summers! Tarunpreet Singh, Upasana S, Anusha L S, Sandeep Pambidi, Shilpa S, Vankadharu Abhinay, Dinesh Kumar S, Sabarinathan R, Saji V Palouse, Siliveru Best regards Dinesh Kumar, Vishvaja D, Archana Kabra, Disha Doshi, Krishna, Beena K A, Danish Vincent, Sonu Pothan Roy, Swati Bhatia, Zainab Janab, Rahul Patel, Ritika Shah, Sucheta Gaonkar, AJAY SETHI Vidhi Mehta,

Design Team Keshav Mishra, Siraj Ahmed & Sandeep Singh www.asa.in CORPORATE CATALYST (INDIA) PVT LTD

*For internal circulation only 3 ASA/CCI @ GLANCE JANUARY-MARCH 2018

DEL 2nd India Korea Business Budget Synopsis GGN Summit 2018 – Bringing – Neemrana Business Together Industries initiative We co-hosted a seminar with the Neemrana Industries Association on the Fiscal Budget 2018. Chief guests included prominent government officials including Sh. Post Budget Raghavendra Singh Yadav, Commissioner, State Tax, Panel Parveen Kumar attended the government officials from Rajasthan; Smt. Nishi Rani, 2nd India-Korea Business India and Korea with a focus Deputy Commissioner; and Discussion with Summit 2018 held in New on sectors like Infrastructure, Sh. Pooran Singh – Assistant Delhi which aimed at ICT, Power, Smart Cities Commissioner. Rajiv Arya Indo Dutch creating the framework and Manufacturing. Hon’ble kicked off the session Chambers for an open and action Prime Minister Shri Narendra followed by presentations oriented dialogue between Modi also addressed the on Direct and Indirect Tax Sunil Arora and Subrata top business leaders and delegation. proposals and GST updates Bose were invited to a post- by Subrata Bose and Pankaj budget panel discussion Delhi Budget Aneja. organized by the Indo Dutch Seminar for Clients Chambers of Business We recently co- & Sciences. The panel included H.E. Alphonsus A Budget Seminar was hosted a budget Stoelinga, Ambassador of organized for clients, to Netherlands to India; S Ravi, discuss the implications seminar in Nihongo Chairman of the Bombay of the fiscal budget 2018. with the Bank of Stock Exchange; and Rajesh Rajiv Arya flagged off the Tokyo Mitsubishi Srivastava, Chairman interactive session and Sunil IDCBS who moderated Arora and Subrata Bose took UFJ. the entire discussion. The the audience through the discussion was following implications of the Direct and by an interactive session Indirect Tax proposals. India Budget Synopsis 2018 with inputs from each of the panelists on issues ranging Sunil Arora and Subrata Bose impact on the recent Fiscal from executing change addressed the members Reforms. in the European Union of the Delhi Management to practical implications Association at India Habitat of raising taxes on Centre. The session, covered investments, to implications the implications of Direct and of the budget proposals on Indirect Tax proposals as well permanent establishment as an overview of GST and its and transfer pricing and the impact of GST. Budget Seminar with BTMU

We recently co-hosted a budget seminar in Nihongo with the Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ at The Leela Ambience in Gurgaon. The seminar was conducted for the benefit of Japanese firms in India and covered the Union Budget 2018 and its implications. 4 ASA/CCI @ GLANCE JANUARY-MARCH 2018

COK Walking the Budget 2018 Annual Partner together with FICCI Manager Meeting at Goa

The firm partners and We were honored to have senior management Mr Richard Rekhy, the ex- attended an offsite to review CEO of KPMG as our guest the implementation and speaker at this offsite. He achievements of the 2017. And spoke on subjects from also finalise the 2018-2019 handling innovations to The Federation of Indian of India. The key speakers workplan and strategy for managing growth in today’s Chambers of Commerce and were Abhilash S Nair, the financial year 2018-2019. market. Industry (FICCI) organized Chairperson, Indian Institute an Interactive Session on of Management, Kozihikode; the Union Budget 2018-19: Dr. VK Vijaykumar, Investment ‘Critical Analysis and Way strategist, Geojit Financial Ahead for Indian Economy’ Services Ltd; and our own on 5th February at Hotel Abad K Nithyananda Kamath. The Plaza, Kochi in association event was well attended by with our firm. Supporting entrepreneurs, chartered partners of this event were accountants and financial Geojit and Central Bank analysts. A Relationship Beyond Borders

A business meeting was organized by Himanshu Srivastava and Motohide Miyake for few leading Japanese corporates on 30th November at the Holiday Inn, Kochi, followed by dinner. P N Ramchandra Kamath and K Nithyananda Kamath along with Shalini R hosted the event which was followed by dinner. A Felicitation Fiscal Budget 2018 The golden jubilee of the inaugurated the function MUM Ernakulam branch of the in the presence of Prof. KV Southern India Regional Thomas, MP, and Nilesh S Council of ICAI was Vikamsey, president of ICAI. celebrated with much P N Ramachandra Kamath, Mumbai office organized a misses of various proposals fanfare. The Hon’ble Chief Ex-chairman of ICAI in 2000 technical client clinic session on both direct and indirect Minister Mr. Pinarayi Vijayan was felicitated at the event. on 7th February on the taxes. The session ended implications of Fiscal Budget with our experts giving their 2018. The session taken assessment on the proposals by our experts Mr. Milind in the budget. This detailed Deshmukh and Mr. Kishor insight on the budget was Patel provided a lucid view well received by our clients to our clients explaining the who appreciated the time significance of the budget, and effort put in by ASA and key takeaways, the hits and team. JANUARY-MARCH 2018 TECHNICAL SESSIONS 5

DEL GGN Workshop on Leadership Development BLR Making More Leaders

A full day soft skill training on “Leadership Vidarshana 2.0 Development & Enhancing Managerial Effectiveness” was conducted for the Knowledge professional staff at Hotel Ramada on Showcase 3rd March. Himanshi Awaal, our MIZU and training & development knowledge “Wisdom is not partner took the audience through an a product of interesting practical session to help schooling but of the our youngsters become the leaders of lifelong attempt to tomorrow. acquire it”

Our most awaited TD-Fest of the year, “Vidarshana 2.0”, was conducted on 20th January. An impressive line up with two technical sessions from guest speakers and four participative rounds, which were ‘Minutes-to-win-it’, ‘Let your voice be heard’, ‘Think and Speak’ and a surprise mock council Congratulations event to enhance BD and debating skills, were the Sub-Committee Himanshi Awaal, our MIZU and training & features of this festival. winner! development knowledge partner took the With a scrumptious lunch in between, the event was SC-TD has been awarded audience through an interesting practical a success and a continued the best Sub Committee session legacy to look forward to for the year 2017, with the next year. members of the TD team being awarded for their continuous efforts on taking technical development & knowledge sharing initiatives within the firm. Our very own Connect was declared runner up. 6 FUN AND FROLIC JANUARY-MARCH 2018

ASA turns 27 DEL Remembering Our Golden Heritage GGN The firm commemorated Mumbai office to CONNECT its 27th anniversary with and we photographed all a celebration at NSCI – the wonderful moments. To commemorate India’s open to all our employees. ‘A Lounge’ at Mumbai SC-RC arranged an 68th Republic Day, we held Chetan (Taxation) from Delhi for the staff to relive the entertaining mimicry item an online quiz ‘Remembering and Jyoti (BAS) from GGN years passed. Partners by the staff ending the our Real Hero’s’ which was were declared the winners. reminisced the fond wonderful evening with memories, certificates everyone letting their hair were handed to the wining down and dancing the night Sub-Committee for the away. MUM Fun Day In Office Virat Kohli Edition

SC-RC hosted a sports day for the employees of ASA- CCI where more than half the staff participated in various sporting events. commentary. The event The theme of the event concluded with a nail biting was “Start Unknown, tie-breaker between the Finish Unforgettable”, ABS and Assurance teams enthusiastically followed with the boys from ABS by all the competitors. A finally lifting the cricket special shout out to Pankaj trophy. & Subrata for their witty

HAPPY LOHRI The harvest festival of Lohri was celebrated with the traditional bonfire amid much dancing and eats, at the office rooftop on 12th January. DEL GGN Your India, My India, Our India

HYD

The office was decorated with a tri-colour theme to commemorate the 69th Republic Day. The celebrations started with hosting the flag. SC-Admin organized a quiz titled “How well do you know the legendary hero’s of our Country?” and several interesting games. JANUARY-MARCH 2018 FUN AND FROLIC 7

DEL Smear Your GGN Happy 27th! Dear Ones According to mythology, the festival celebrates the killing of Holika, On the 7th of March this With Gulaal year the firm completed the sister of Hrinyakashyapu. The 27 successful years. An event to commemorate The colourful festival of festival also holds significance with this anniversary was held Holi was celebrated in the at the Belmond Resorts pantry area at our Delhi respect to the end of winter season in Chattarpur and was & Gurgaon offices. In an attempt to be eco-friendly, and the onset of summers. attended by partners and we avoided use of chemical employees outfitted at colours and opted instead their glamourous best! for natural sandalwood Dance performances by (chandan). The staff enjoyed the staff were the highlight the traditional thandai and of the evening as were gujiya and enjoyed the the SC results which were evening immensely. announced by Ajay. SC-TD was the national winner while SC-Connect was Ready To Roll! declared the runner up for Delhi. SC Admin took the SC-RC organizes a bowling titles for Delhi / Gurgaon. event at Amoeba Games, Kurla. We had a racuous DEL GGN evening at the Phoenix Market City mall with gutter balls and close calls.

While a deligent few toiled away at the lanes, the rest of us deligently ate every appetizer that came our way!

The fun filled evening drew to a close with a delicious victorious dinner. MUM

Flyp@ MTV SC-RC came up with a Kamal Ke Moves MUM most exciting event to bring out the FLYP side of our employees wherein everyone enjoyed the “Kamal Ke” dance moves, at Flyp @ MTV, Kamala Mills (read as “Kamal ke mills”). “Fiddlecraft”, an Indie Pop Band, band performed original compositions and all the songs had hidden stories which the audience could relate to, very easily. 8 FUN AND FROLIC JANUARY-MARCH 2018 Happy Work Anniversary! AMD

The Ahmedabad office the Pride Plaza hotel. The celebrated the firm’s 27th celebrations commenced anniversary with dance and with a cake cutting fun filled activities over an ceremony which was then exotic lunch hosted at a followed by entertaining theme based restaurant at games. It’s time for RAID!

We took a break from our conducted by the officers daily routines to watch a of the Indian Revenue special screening of the Service in the 1980s. It was Ajay Devgun starrer RAID. an entertaining evening The film is inspired by the and a much needed respite real life IT raids that were from work.

Holi on the House!

The staff all took a leap enjoyed the festival of back to their childhood, Holi with each other. when they playfully And this picture of our smeared each other with multicoloured faces bright colours, danced above, proves it. to Bollywood songs and

Congratulations Pongal – Sub-Committee winner the Harvest Festival MAA

The Chennai office celebrated Pongal with a lot of enthusiasm. The staff were all dressed in traditional attire to suit the occasion and everyone participated in the SC-RC conducted games and quiz SC-TD was awarded the best that were based on rituals Sub-Committee for this year. pertaining to the festival. The TD team comprising of Mohit Nagar, Parth Solani and Siddharth Shah were applauded for organizing the training program on GST and a course alongwith CFO of Hero Fincorp Ltd, The Importance of Chartered Accountancy course . JANUARY-MARCH 2018 FUN AND FROLIC 9

Wayanad is a hilly area surrounded by tea plantations, ‘Fun 10’ COK Wayanad – Plantations Paradise situated in the northern part of Kerala. After an 11-hour tiresome journey, we entered The 1st and 2nd week of the bishopric “Thamarassery February was planned as Churam” and were rewarded ‘Fun 10’ by SC-RC and with stunning views and various games like Dumb scenic beauty. Charades, Tongue Twister We visited the massive and Be My Valentine, to Banasura Sagar Dam which name a few, were organized. included a boat ride, and Active participation of every indulged in sports like member in the team was bamboo rafting, ziplining encouraged to emphasize and much more during the team spirit. course of this trip. It truly was an experience to be treasured by all who attended.

ASA Premier League 2018 BLR One of the most awaited events of the year is the APL Cricket. The palpable excitement starts with the player auctions and we have eleven champions in each team glittering with designer team jerseys. ASA’s very own Dhoni’s and Kohli’s made the match fun-filled and engrossing. The winning Jai Hind trophy was lifted by Dabang Lakeside and Ayush Varghese was awarded the man of the Republic Day was celebrated match. by a flag hoisting by K Nithyananda Kamath followed by distribution “Women are the Wonders at WONDERLA of sweets. The event was immortalized by the usual real architects of The firm’s 27th Anniversary After a delicious lunch the group selfies that were was celebrated with lazy ones jumped into the society” by Harriet clicked by the staff. a glorious day out at wave pool and ‘Lazy River’ Beecher Stowe “Wonderla”. After a cake to relax while the energetic Recently, Forbes listed cutting ceremony at the enjoyed the Rain Disco, the most powerful women office we all headed out Boomerang, Wavy Fall and that included Chanda to the fun destination. other rides. The day ended Kochhar (ICICI Bank), Kiran The crazy games, varying with the announcements of Mazumdar (Chairman from ‘Recoil’, ‘Mission the Sub Committee winners. and MD of Biocon) and Interstellar’, ‘Wonder Cheers to another year Priyanka Chopra (Actress). Space’ to ‘Crazy Car’ were of working together and As a token of appreciation innovative, thrilling, exciting growing together! to women the world over, and totally unforgettable. SC-RC also organized a Women’s Day celebration on 8th March where we cut a cake and the partners shared encouraging words with us. 10 CORE VALUES JANUARY-MARCH 2018

If you think you can- “YOU CAN” If you think you can’t- “YOU ARE RIGHT” Your happiness depends on only one person- “YOURSELF”

PARVEEN KUMAR • Kind friendly, empathetic “I will pay it forward” National Head - Assurance and supportive. Others have opened the • Professional objective, door of opportunity for me. informed, ethical. I will not slam it behind me. Always face your fears. Do I will give others the same the most difficult task first. • Do not make defiance’s chances that helped me personal. SUNDEEP GUPTA succeed. • Enjoy your work. Partner – Accounting and Business Support AJAY SETHI K NITHYANANDA KAMATH Managing Partner Partner Taxation

Human Relationships – A most important virtue. Spread across diverse Men & women are equal. Honesty is the best locations both within India policy. as well as internationally, Smile always- it helps to make you and people around happier. Our Firm: there is consistency and Reach out to the top in RAJIV ARYA Profession by means of standardization in processes National Head - Accounting institutionalizing our firm. and deliverables and yet and Business Support Our Team Members: Imbibing the sense of an integrated and united belonging in their path of career growth. approach in delivering the K VENKATRAMAN highest of brand standards. National Head - Taxation

Never lose sight of your mission. Be mindful. Aim higher than your abilities hard work never fails. Never give up!

HIMANSHU SRIVASTAVA Partner- Business Advisory & Practice Head

Develop and follow your Passionate and priorities – a clear action determined towards work and gives the power to I would like to lead and be plan with complete focus on it makes it much easier everyone to share ideas led by example. to follow through on what’s and information instantly, without barriers. SUNIL ARORA important! Partner – Taxation and BIKRAMJIT SINGH BEDI PRATEET MITTAL Practice Head Executive Partner - Taxation Executive Partner – Assurance JANUARY-MARCH 2018 CORE VALUES 11

Skill sets upgradation, A From the angle of Firm, Integrity & focus on Business Clients, people (ASA) Development which I feel to * Build & give VALUE My Core Values are “quality • Perseverance be core values for overall ADDITION firm of service”, passing of + Invest in RELATIONSHIP knowledge to whoever • Empathy Development to which I works with me and walking • Pursuit for perfection aspire. Share, collaborate, and together!! consult (K word) NITIN ARORA I work hard to deliver quality S SUNDAR RAJAN Be practical Partner - Transaction and value and I believe in Advisory Services Executive Partner - S Foundation- Trust, Ethics, training my teams to do the Assurance Professionalism. same. I do push my clients A (Audit) comfort, safety and my teams to do their (Rules), and value/core. best in the given situation(s) and I participate in the team D K GIRIDHARAN effort equally. Practice Head At the end, it all has to be worth remembering as the • Integrity entire teams come together PROFESSIONALISM SPECIALISATION to have lots of fun!! • Respect • Humor MS VAIJAYANTIMALA BELSARE HEMANT AGNIHOTRI Executive Partner - Executive Director - Assurance Transaction Advisory

TEAMWORK PRESENCE

Sincere, Hard-working, “Continuously building a Client Driven approach sustainable high quality Adhere to deadlines but if practice across all service lines through and by a great • INTEGRITY: Both at not possible seek extension with reasons. team of motivated colleagues profession and personal thereby ensuring growth of thoughts /actions. Ethics and value system of such team members and of • CHALLENGE THE LIMITS: the firm paramount the firm and of course, client Limits are just mental • Decision Making at Collaborative approach satisfaction at the core.” blocks. Business SUBRATA BOSE RAM PRASAD DEVALLA • POWER OF TEAM: • Ethics are followed Submerge, Emerge, Executive Partner - Practice Head Stronger. • Capability to deliver Accounting and Business • COMMUNICATE • Are we in positivity EFFECTIVELY Say what servicing the client from Support you want the way they technical point of view. want. • Value addition by taking a client. NITISH PARAMESWARAN Partner - Accounting & PR JAYAKUMAR Business support Senior Advisor 12 RELIVE A MOMENT JANUARY-MARCH 2018

It’s Mahashivarathri KNOW YOUR MATE BLR Sunil Kumar M N India is a country of innumerable cultures, Mr Tender Heart BLR traditions and festivals. But the one festival that Sunil is very pleasant, touches my heart the most is extremely enthusiastic and Mahashivaratri. This affinity also down-to-earth with a I feel towards the festival, lot of patience. His motto in could be because I grew up life is “Live in the moment”. in Kotappakonda, a holy hill, He loves bike-riding and is situated in Guntur district, an avid tennis and cricket Andhra Pradesh, famous for buff. His dream is (in this its Shiva temple. order) to set up a sports academy to aid the talented I visited Kotappakonda after a who are unable to follow long gap and was pleasantly 8 wheel Ratham with a height the ambition; to watch a the World Cup Final at Lords. surprised to find the of more than 60 feet is the Wimbledon Final at the ASA-CCI wishes him luck in Mahashivratri celebrations highlight of the occasion. famous Centre-court and achieving all his dreams. as they were, many years ago, during my childhood. I do believe that these festivities bring people The celebrations, as I together and that spirituality Some call them Colleagues, MUM remember, start off few and goodness still live deep We call them Mother & Daughter. ;) days earlier with lots within our hearts. of excitement. A gigantic It is said that matches are they are more like mother ‘electric prabha’ built on an John Babu made in heaven and there -daughter than colleagues. is nothing like finding a They even share birthdays, MAA soul that relates to you. family businesses and When Manali Madhwani, eventually shared rides to A Night out on Bikes Deputy Manager joined our and from office. team, she instantly bonded Their relationship makes with Ishita Jain, a first year The last day of the financial We spent some time at the us believe that we are all trainee thus proving the year had left us exhausted shores of Mahabalipuram born with some connection saying right in many ways. and we decided to ride quietly gazing at the stars to another person and its out to ECR to destress above and listening to the The similarities that they fate that you get to meet a bit. What we ended up pleasant lapping of the share in their speech and that person in this lifetime doing was that we reached waves against the beach. conduct are eerie, and and that is a true blessing. Mahabalipuram - a major The drive back before tourist destination near sunrise was pitch dark, Chennai. In many ways but we did return safe and the ride turned out to be a sound before the first light stress buster for all of us. of the next day.

Ramki JANUARY-MARCH 2018 TALENT UNFOLD 13

The Game of Gentlemen - Cricket Sumaya Our In-house BLR Mehndi designer

Sumaya has been making henna designs as a hobby for about 10 years. Her inspiration and passion for mehndi grew by seeing her mother’s work. Specializing in Indian and Arabic mehndi designs, Sumaya constantly adapts from her surroundings to give a “Go hard or go home” is my motto says our energetic creative, meaningful and player Upendra Singh who has played for Karnataka at beautiful visual. zonal level II and for Tamil Nadu at State Level II divisions. With more than twenty five trophies in Corporate Cricket COK

Tournaments under his belt, he is also one of the representatives of FICA (Future India Cricket Academy). In future, he would sees himself as a trainer at the Karnataka Institute of Cricket. We wish him all the best for his journey and aspirations of guiding youngsters to excel in the game.

Danish Vincent Our Golden Boot

Calicut SICASA organized an All Kerala Football tournament “SUPERBIA ALL KERALA FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT”. Danish Vincent of our Kochi office played defense for COBRAS FC, one of the 8 teams which represented Ernakulam SICASA. The COBRAS FC also went on to win the tournament. 14 TRAVEL DIARIES JANUARY-MARCH 2018

DEL GGN Australia – Oz was just right

“We travel not to escape want to leave this stunning rise up majestically from life, but for life not to country. the Southern Ocean on the escape us.” – Anonymous dramatic coastline. (now only ▼ The Great Barrier Reef During our trip we covered 7 of them remain, the rest Australia was on our travel four major cities – Sydney, have been eroded by waves). cards this year, and we Gold Coast, Melbourne and visited recently just in time Cairns. I realized that the To sum up, every time you to enjoy the Australian best things about Sydney will visit, you will definitely summer. The two glorious came free – the sunshine, find something new to love weeks we spent there the harbor and the lively and explore! I for one, am convinced me why it is one beaches (Bondi and Coogee definately going back! of the most popular travel to name two)! The one thing destinations today. The you do end up paying for (but GAURAV BHATIA incredible natural beauty, is totally worth it) is the food. rainforests, pristine white beaches, and of course, My favourite moment of the Great Barrier Reef the trip was our the drive are all to be seen to around the Great Ocean believed. Sydney’s Harbor Road. Specatular views, Bridge and Opera House scenic beauty with the are iconic man-made mountains on one side of wonders that photographs the road and the wild roaring just don’t do any justice ocean on the other, make it to and Melbourne’s café a memorable drive. Witness culture will transport you the rugged splendour of to the streets of Europe. the famous 12 Apostles, It’s no wonder you will not magnificent rock stacks that

Melbourne’s Cafes

▼ The 12 Apostles JANUARY-MARCH 2018 TRAVEL DIARIES 15

MUM Sri lanka it is

Tea Gardens

Ceylon as the British called it, (today, Sri Lanka) is in essence, a blend of cities, mountains, sandy beaches and rich culture. Being one of India’s closest neighbor and an exotic yet viable travel option, we took an all girls trip to this island nation. At the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka, is the city of Galle. One feels transported to a quaint European city with its lineup of outdoor beach view cafes Galle Fort Turtle Hatcheries and a string of exclusive boutiques, a veritable shoppers paradise. The thriving night life is an elixir for young souls and the food culture is any foodies dream come true. We went through the usual touristy routine of visits to the turtle hatcheries, cinnamon gardens and moonstone mines. And ‘NO’, that’s the local answer to every Indian tourist’s most asked question about Buddhist influence any information on Raavana, or Queen Padmavati for that matter. The Sinhalese people are all about Buddhism. Their museums and temples and the Buddha statues (one every 5 miles) will remind you of that. Our 4 days in this beautiful country, were also filled with plenty of coconut water and yummy local fruits like soursop and passion fruit. Our ‘all girl’ gang ZAINAB 16 TRAVEL DIARIES JANUARY-MARCH 2018 Under the Waterfalls MAA

COK Botanical Garden

Ooty is indisputably one of the most popular hill stations in India and we found this a OOTY This new year we decided to The magnificent waterfall perfect holiday destination explore Ubbalamudugu Falls (also provided a scenic backdrop for for our family. A thing of beauty called Tada Falls), a waterfall a memorable get together with The entire experience of the located in the Chittoor district, 80 colleagues. famous Ooty Tea gardens, is a joy forever kilometres from Chennai. the Botanical Gardens Our crew members 'Papa, Manjula and Doddabetta Peak was $ The falls, located in a forest and Madhu', cooked up some exhilarating to say the least. called the Siddulaiah Kona, are mouth watering treats for us. The boating trip with my famous among residents from family was the highlight of Chennai for trekking. SABARINATHAN R the holiday. The memories captured in Adventures Galore! the countless photos that Naini Lake, Corbett Park and Rishikesh we took, will always remind me of the wonderful family time spent in this scenic hill Living in south India, Nainital, river rafting, bungee station. Uttarakhand has been ‘one jumping and flying fox in of the states to visit’ on my Rishikesh. From free-flying BEENA K A bucket list for as long as I in the air; to drowning in the can remember. The long Ganges; to trying out India’s weekend of Republic Day was longest bungee jumping, this BLR a perfect time to plan trip a trip was exhilirating as well to Jim Corbett National Park, as overwhelming. Nainital and Rishikesh. To actually witness in reality the Like all trips this too landscapes and sights I had eventually ended but the only seen in pictures before memories we brought back will remain with us forever. Our six-day ‘adventure’ included paragliding in NAVEEN SN JANUARY-MARCH 2018 TRAVEL DIARIES 17

With a breathtakingly beautiful coastline, lush tropical forests, fantastic diving possibilities and a far flung location, the Andaman islands are a perfect place to simply chill out on sun kissed beaches.

Landing at the Port Blair Airport felt like we were sandwiched in a world of blue – the sky above and the Indian Ocean below. The Serene Andamans

We visited the Cellular jail where we attended a sound and light show depicting the gory history of the prison and freedom fighters captured there. It was a chilling reminder of the freedom struggles all over the world.

Scuba diving and snorkeling – both experiences of a lifetime – at Havelock and Jolly Buoy islands, were memorable to say the least. These two picturesque natural paradise with their gorgeous white sandy beaches and lush forests, are to be seen to be believed.

Then there were the museums that educated us about the geography of these beautiful islands and their people and practices.

All in all ‘what a delightful experience’.

SMITHA K S BLR

Cellular Jail Port Blair, a world of blue 18 TRAVEL DIARIES JANUARY-MARCH 20187 Manali - the Snowland!

Our trip to Manali, was a – museums, the Hadimba sudden, spur of the moment temple, parks etc. – we also plan that turned out to be an had a rolicking time in the unforgettable one. thick snow of the Solang Valley. Manali is a valley nestled in the mountains of Himachal We spent two blissful days Pradesh, near the northern before we got back to our end of the Kullu valley. routine lives in the city.

It was like a picture postcard We came home with to see auzure blue skies, memories of the cool climes white capped mountains and and the gentle burble of the lush green landscapes all in river Beas, imprinted in our one frame. minds.

While we visited the usual ABHISHEK CHOUDHURY tourist attractions in Kullu

SC-ADMIN INITIATIVES Acts of Kindness Town Hall Meet

SC-Admin took the initiative Boxes were kept in both SC-Admin organized a to start the new year by Delhi and Gurgaon office and “Town Hall” meeting for the bringing smiles and some the staff was encouraged professional staff- Assistant warmth to the homeless to donate clothes and Managers to Senior Managers needy people on the streets blankets which they did in - which was attended by 49 by donating woolen clothes, large numbers. Employees participants. The meeting blankets and shawls. The volunteered to take part in was addressed by Ajay Sethi distribution ride took place at this drive which was a small and Rajiv Arya who shared South Delhi, Connaught contribution by the firm for a their own thoughts and also Place and nearby areas. noble cause. interacted with the audience with regard to their individual growth along with the firm’s growth. JANUARY-MARCH 2018 COFFEE WITH CONNECT 19

Kim Collaço

STATE AN UNUSUAL THING YOU DO TO OVERCOME STRESS. YOUR THOUGHT ON SOCIAL MEDIA? I used to row or take a walk. Now I have an ‘angry’ playlist Social media is a tool. Like any tool it is only as good as that makes me happy. the person or people wielding it. It takes skill, experience and intelligence to properly use social media. I have zero WHAT IS IT THAT YOU WANT TO CHANGE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHY? patience with people who get all hot and bothered about Nothing. I’ve spent years getting to where I am. the reactions on social media to opinions, instead of facts. So my thoughts on social media? Be aware of your NARRATE A FUNNY INCIDENCE YOU’VE EXPERIENCED. security settings. be careful about what you post, avoid the My husband and I were on holiday in Edinburg and stayed idiots, don’t engage the trolls and visit your company page in a serviced apartment. Suddenly, one morning, the fire regularly. alarms began blaring. Turns out he had been trying to make toast with the toaster on its highest setting. I walked WHAT ATTRACTS YOU TOWARDS A PERSON? AND WHAT PUTS YOU OFF? into the kitchen to find him engulfed in a cloud of smoke, My closest friends and mentors all have one thing in helplessly trying to get the two slices of bread (that were common – interesting conversation. I always learn the purest charcoal by then) out of the toaster. This was something new whenever I speak with them. What puts Edinburgh so the windows had safety catches on them, me off is a ‘don’t know, don’t want to know’ attitude. The which meant that we couldn’t air out the kitchen either. way I see it, we all have a limited amount of time in this We had to explain to the folks running the place that it life. I’m not going to waste mine. wasn’t a fire, just burnt toast to convince them to finally turn off the alarms. NAME ONE PERSON WHO INSPIRED YOU THE MOST. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SONG AT PRESENT? WHY? My grandmother. The toughest survivor I have ever known. I have several favourites. Swanee River by Hugh Laurie, Blood on My Name by the Brothers Bright, Someone New NAME ONE THING YOU’D LIKE TO PURSUE POST-RETIREMENT? by Hozier… Something about these songs just transports Travel, eat and blog about it. That’s my plan. me to a different time and place

ANY ADVICE OR SUGGESTIONS FOR OUR READERS. WHAT DID YOU ASPIRE TO BE AS A CHILD? When put into boiling water eggs harden, potatoes soften, I wanted to be a paratrooper for the Indian Army and even and coffee beans transform the water into something picked up the forms to sign up. That freaked my mum out. entirely different. Decide which one you want to be when So I decided to be a marine architect instead, and that you find yourself in hot water. freaked my dad out!

ONE WORD/PHRASE YOU USE MOST FREQUENTLY AT WORK. Most of what I say is unprintable.

APART FROM WORK, WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS? Travel, music and art.

YOUR IDEA OF AN IDEAL VACATION? A sunny beach, a good book and a cool drink. 20 ON A LIGHTER NOTE JANUARY-MARCH 2018

Partner, Accounting and Business Support, Bengaluru

Accounting in DNA; Ginger Tea brings the adrenaline out. Substance and Form; in both, shows his clout. P Nitish

With a charm to enthrall any audience! He is one person who never fails to give guidance! Sunil Arora Partner, Taxation, New Delhi Practice Head Mumbai

Sreevidhya V Pai & Surendranath Kamath were blessed with a daughter, Suparna S Vimmi Sachdeva Kamath weds Sudesh Yadav