“Ajit Kumar Chandu Lal Shah: A Journey of Academic Excellence and Professional Leadership”

Ajit Kumar Chandu Lal Shah, born on April 18, 1950, coinciding with India’s attainment of republic status in 1950, embarked on a journey marked by academic prowess and professional achievement. After completing his secondary education in Ahmedabad, he pursued commerce at HL College of Commerce, Gujarat University, graduating in 1970. Driven by his father’s legacy as a Chartered Accountant, he pursued his CA degree, overcoming multiple exam failures to finally achieve his goal in January 1979.

Amidst his academic pursuits, he embraced familial responsibilities, marrying in 1974 and becoming a father to a daughter in 1976 and a son in 1978. Post-qualification, he joined a chartered accountancy firm and ascended to partnership.

In parallel, he engaged in civic and professional organizations. Joining Jaycees, he honed leadership and communication skills, culminating in various leadership roles from chapter president to national director. Simultaneously, he held key positions in professional bodies, serving as secretary of the Chartered Accountant Association and Ahmedabad Branch of WIRC of ICAI, later advancing to council membership and vice-chairmanship of WIRC.

Transitioning to academia, he commenced lecturing at Nav Gujarat Law College in 1992, specializing in taxation until his retirement in 2012. His commitment to education extended to authoring books and delivering lectures nationwide, notably on the Central Sales Tax Act.

His influence extended beyond academia, assuming presidencies of Chartered Accountant Association Ahmedabad and All Gujarat Federation of Tax Consultants. He contributed significantly to the development of future chartered accountants, serving as faculty at GMCS and orientation courses from 2005 to 2018.

Recognized for his expertise, he was co-opted as a member of the Board of Studies Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India in 2001 and 2023. He also served on various committees of the Ahmedabad Stock Exchange.

His multifaceted career also includes directorships at Apna Bajar Ahmedabad since 2005 and The Ahmedabad District Cooperative Bank since 2013, underscoring his diverse contributions to both commercial and community sectors.

Throughout his journey, his dedication to education, leadership, and professional development has left an indelible mark, exemplifying a lifelong commitment to excellence and service.

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