𝗔 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝘆 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝘆𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗖𝗦𝗜

A personal reflection on receiving honours at the 52nd Foundation Day celebration of the Hyderabad Chapter of ICSI, revisiting three decades of teaching, leadership, and the memories connected with its historic transformation.

CS Suryanarayana SV Honored by the Hyderabad Chapter. Photo courtesy CS KK Rao.

A Celebration That Became Personal

On 10 August 2026, the Hyderabad Chapter of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) completed 52 years of service. The Foundation Day celebration was held on 8 August 2026 due to administrative reasons, but for me the event became far more than a commemorative function. It became a deeply personal journey through memory, gratitude, and renewed purpose.

A Moment of Recognition

The most emotional moment arrived during the felicitation ceremony. I was the first person to be honored, as I had the privilege of serving as Chairman of the Hyderabad Chapter in 1996. Walking to the stage, I experienced a wave of emotions that is difficult to describe. Recognition from one’s own professional community carries a unique meaning. It reflects not only achievements but also years of shared experiences, trust, and contribution.

The Meaning Behind the Moti Mala

The chapter presented me with a souvenir memento bearing my name, along with a beautifully crafted ceremonial necklace. The necklace, traditionally known as a Moti Mala*or Matar Mala, has become a graceful alternative to the traditional flower garland in many corporate, academic, and institutional events across India. Unlike flowers that fade within hours, such a garland becomes a lasting symbol of honor and appreciation.

As it was placed around my neck, I felt that it represented not merely a ceremonial gesture but the affection and respect of colleagues, students, and friends with whom I had shared a professional journey spanning more than 45 years as a Company Secretary.

The Building That Shaped My Professional Life

Another announcement during the celebration touched me deeply. We were informed that the new Hyderabad Chapter building, constructed in place of the old structure, would be inaugurated on 23 August 2026. For many attendees, it was exciting news about a modern facility. For me, it was the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another.

That building has a special place in my heart. As a faculty member since 1991, I taught Company Law to hundreds of aspiring company secretaries within those walls. It was there that I gradually developed my skills as a trainer and mentor, helping young professionals gain confidence and prepare for meaningful careers. Many of those students today occupy responsible positions in companies across India and abroad. The building was never just a classroom complex; it was a learning center, a career hub, and a place where countless dreams took shape.

A Memory from 1996

During my brief thanksgiving speech, I chose to speak about an achievement from my tenure as Chairman rather than about the honor I had received. In 1996, the Hyderabad Chapter published its **first professional handbook titled Transfer of Shares, a practical reference guide for professionals and stakeholders. It was made available at a nominal price and even distributed through the office of the Registrar of Companies. Looking back, I realized that the publication represented our commitment to creating useful knowledge resources for the profession.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/9c4890_eb53602439c145cb9cbcfc59d632df98/480p/mp4/file.mp4

CS Suryanarayana SV speaking at 52nd Foundation day celebrations.

A New Chapter Through a Digital Anthology

Inspired by that memory, I announced a new initiative that has been close to my heart—a proposal to create a Digital Anthology of the Hyderabad Chapter. The idea is to invite contributions from members, students, faculty, guest speakers, and staff so that the collective memory of the Chapter can be preserved for future generations. Every institution has stories that deserve to be documented, and I believe this anthology can become a meaningful bridge between the Chapter’s past, present, and future.

A Refreshingly Different Celebration

One aspect of the celebration particularly impressed me. The Managing Committee decided not to invite a distinguished chief guest, thereby avoiding lengthy protocols and formal speeches. Instead, the committee members stood on the dais while the felicitations were performed by younger Company Secretaries. This created a warm and participative atmosphere. We had more time to interact, exchange memories, and genuinely enjoy each other’s company.

A Shared Vision for the Future

During the program, CS Venkata Ramana, a member of the ICSI Central Council, announced that the Chapter’s building reconstruction had been completed and was ready for inauguration. The enthusiastic applause that followed reflected a shared vision of a modern and inspiring institution that would serve future generations of Company Secretaries.

Gratitude to the Team Behind the Celebration

I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to CS Shilpa Bung, the current Chairperson, whose dedication was instrumental in making the celebration meaningful and memorable. I also acknowledge the valuable contributions of CS Srilakshmi Narayana Gupta Gamini, CS Manjeeth Bucha, CS Tangirala Lalitha Devi, CS Naveen Shekar Illa, and CS Pavan Kankani, as well as the committed Chapter staff, especially Mr. Srinivas V and Mr. Praveen, whose efforts behind the scenes ensured that the event ran smoothly. The secretary, CS Karthik A, orchestrated the event with meticulous precision, ensuring that every moment unfolded seamlessly. CS Mahadev T, Chairman of the ICSI Southern India Regional Council, known for his innovative ideas, also added his distinctive touch to the celebration.

Conversations That Matter

Although the attendance was moderate, the spirit of the gathering remained vibrant. The lunch get-together that followed was filled with laughter, nostalgia, and heartfelt conversations. I met former colleagues, mentors, and students who had been part of different phases of my professional life. Those moments reminded me that the greatest asset any institution creates is not merely infrastructure but human relationships.

The Journey Continues

As I left the venue, I carried with me a profound sense of gratitude. The 52nd Foundation Day of the Hyderabad Chapter of ICSI was not simply a celebration of an institution’s anniversary. It was a celebration of continuity, contribution, and the enduring bonds that connect generations of professionals.

My journey with the Hyderabad Chapter continues, and I remain committed to contributing through teaching, writing, mentoring, and documenting its remarkable legacy for those who will shape its future.

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