President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, today spoke at the National Students’ Convocation of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) in New Delhi. The occasion celebrated the accomplishments of emerging professionals in corporate and public finance, with the President delivering an inspiring address on the vital contributions of cost accountants to India’s growth and progress.
In her address, President Murmu highlighted the historical reverence for the accounting profession in Indian society. “Throughout our history,” she said, “accountants have enjoyed high esteem because accounting and accountability are deeply interconnected. As a society that values transparency and responsibility, we attach special significance to accounting.”
Founded in 1944, the Institute of Cost Accountants of India has not only witnessed but also significantly contributed to India’s economic transformation since Independence. The President acknowledged ICMAI’s silent yet powerful role in shaping the industrial and economic backbone of the nation. “The Institute has played a pivotal role, often away from the limelight, in ensuring that India’s growth is both sustainable and strategically cost-effective,” she said.
President Murmu noted the evolution of the cost accounting profession — from factory-based cost monitoring to influencing boardroom strategies. She stressed that in a world now shaped by climate change, the need for sustainability has moved from being a buzzword to a pressing necessity. She emphasized, “We are beyond the era where profit alone could justify corporate goals. Today, the environmental cost must be factored into every decision, and cost accountants, with their specialized skills, are uniquely equipped to lead this transformation.”
As CMAs take on increasingly strategic roles in both the private and public sectors, the President praised the ICMAI for nurturing a generation of professionals capable of driving value-based, efficient governance. “ICMAI has not only supported central and state governments but has also helped design cost-efficient strategies and systems critical for national progress,” she added.
Addressing the graduating students directly, President Murmu offered a vision that extended beyond corporate success. She urged them to recognize their broader responsibility toward society and the nation. “As cost accountants, you are in a position to contribute deeply to the realization of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047,” she said. “Let your education empower you not just to be skilled professionals but also to be ethical, responsible, and visionary nation-builders.”
The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the ICMAI’s commitment to shaping professionals who blend technical excellence with public spirit. With India poised to become one of the top global economies in the coming decades, the President’s address served as a timely reminder of the transformative power of accountability, sustainability, and dedicated service.
