Pradip Kakodkar speaks on his role as a Chartered Accountant and leading various other social initiatives
Pradip Kakodkar, a practicing fellow chartered accountant, educationist, inspiring orator, motivating leader, sportsman, theatre artist, and a social activist, is a multifaceted personality and has many interests to his credit.
Pradip is Chairman of the Goa branch of Western India Regional Council of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. He is also Chairman of Management Committee of Kakodkar’s The New Educational Institute, Curchorem, one of Goa’s oldest and premier schools. He is also Board member of Goa State Biodiversity Board, Ministry of Environment, Government of Goa. Pradip has served as President of Alumni Association of Government College Quepem, and treasurer of the Konkani Bhasha Mandal. He has served as President of Rotary Club of Curchorem-Sanvordem for 2013-14; and has been awarded by Rotary district for his exceptional leadership.
Pradip has also been a visiting faculty at Government College of Arts, Science & Commerce, Quepem and has served as faculty for Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Goa branch for general management and orientation courses.
Pradip did his primary schooling from the government primary school at Bansai, secondary schooling from Kakodkar’s The New Educational Institute, Curchorem, higher secondary education at Guardian Angel Higher Secondary; and commerce graduation from Government College, Quepem. Later, he pursued his professional degree from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), and is currently practicing for the last seventeen years.
Pradip says that every profession has its own gestation period. “I was lucky enough to settle smoothly in my practice”. Pradip’s line of work is more into internal audits, apart from regular practice of auditing and taxation. He has completed certification courses in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Detection, Information System Audit Bank Concurrent Audit and GST. “I always prefer adding a human touch to my profession by doing lot of handholding which also helps in developing a friendly relationship with my clients. I have seen a lot of businesses grow over the years and this gives me job satisfaction.” Hundreds of commerce graduates, especially from rural areas have availed training at his office at Curchorem.
Pradip, as Chairman of the Goa branch of the Western India Regional Council of the ICAI, speaks on his plans for the Goa chapter especially during these uncertain times. “I believe in not limiting challenges but challenging the limits. We have taken advantage of the Covid situation by conducting many virtual programs and every month we have at least three to four different programs for our students as well as members. We are planning to associate with Goa University to introduce skill-based programs for students. Goa has the second highest rate of unemployment in the country and we cannot just be mute spectators to this situation. We had a meeting with Goa University and Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry to explore education and for training our students as per industry requirements – to make them more employable. We have decided to come and work together, closely monitor the situation and be part of the solution to this huge problem. Western India Regional Council of ICAI has developed a course which will help the youth towards more gainful employment”.
“We also had a meeting with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and NRI Commissioner Adv. Narendra Savaikar, where we spoke about making and marketing Goa as an investment and service oriented hub globally. We thank the Chief Minister for inviting suggestions from Goa branch of ICAI. We are proud that our suggestion of implementing accrual based double entry system in local bodies was accepted by Goa Government.”
Pradip considers himself very lucky to be surrounded by a supportive family and friends. “My father is my idol; whatever I am today I owe it to him. Thanks to the love and affection of my parents, family and friends for being a great support always. My wife, Dr. Pradnya, who is a physician, has also been a great source of strength and motivation for me in all my endeavours.” He is blessed with daughter Radha and son Om.
Pradip and his wife, Dr. Pradnya were a part of the core team where they could set up a Step-up Covid care centre in Quepem, in just 3 days’ time with overwhelming public support. This centre had all the hospital amenities along with oxygen supply. This initiative helped to reduce the load on the tertiary Covid District Hospital.”
Pradip is a social activist and has successfully led many social movements right from his college days. He is a regular blood donor and believes that his little effort can help save a life. He loves to play badminton and makes it a part of his daily routine. Acting is his passion. He has been awarded for his performance in a one act play ‘Daddy’ by Ravindra Bhavan, Curchorem.
Regarding his role as educationist, Pradip says “Our education system needs a revamp and has to focus more on practical and lifestyle skills. Inspite of rural background and challenges, students of our school have always excelled academically and have topped Goa Board several times. Motivating students and helping them excel is one of my passion and I would love to put all my efforts there.”
He credits the human touch in professionalism as the mantra for his success and concludes with a message for aspiring Chartered Accountants. “If you have the commitment and integrity, which are the most important qualities to have, along with focus and dedication, one need not worry about success. Success will automatically follow you. Be good to people without expectations. Don’t do anything with the thought of getting something in return but instead do something that will help society and you will be blessed manifold.”
