Dr. Parag Kalkar Urges Students to Master Cost Accountancy With Ethics and Expertise
Pune, 23rd February 2026: Cost accountancy is a challenging profession that contributes significantly to the nation’s economic growth, and students should focus on gaining in-depth knowledge and becoming domain experts while upholding ethical values, said Dr. Parag Kalkar, pro-vice chancellor of Savitribai Phule Pune University.
He was speaking at a felicitation ceremony for meritorious students organised by the Pune chapter of The Institute of Cost Accountants of India at the CMA Bhavan in Karvenagar. Among those present were the GST joint commissioner, CMA Sanjali Dias; ICMAI vice-president, CMA Neeraj Joshi; committee member, CMA Chaitanya Moharir; CMA Dr. Sanjay Bhargave; Pune chapter president, CMA Shrikant Ippalpalli; vice-president, CMA Rahul Chincholkar; student coordination committee chairman, CMA Amey Tikle; and treasurer, CMA Tanuja Mantrawadi.
In the afternoon session, Garware College principal Dr. Kishor Desarda, CMA Hanumant Jamdade, and CS Kalyani Shirode guided students. Awards were presented to high achievers in memory of CMA Soumitra Bavthankar, while students who excelled in cultural performances were honoured by PCCA Art Circle and the Sandeep Joshi family.
Kalkar said CMA students should not stop at obtaining a degree but must continuously upgrade themselves by embracing artificial intelligence, innovation, and new technologies. While machines may handle routine tasks, decision-making remains a human strength, he noted, adding that sectors such as infrastructure, finance, project management, and sustainable development offer vast opportunities.
Dias described artificial intelligence as a transformative force that creates new opportunities rather than eliminating jobs, stressing that professionals who constantly update skills and adapt to change will succeed. Joshi advised students to remain lifelong learners and stay connected with the institute to benefit from emerging knowledge and senior professionals’ experience, noting that demand for CMAs is rising in the services sector and globally.
CMA Chaitanya Moharir and Dr. Sanjay Bhargave also addressed the gathering. CMA Amey Tikle delivered the introductory remarks, CMA Rahul Chincholkar gave the welcome address, and Tanvi Vaidya, Vaishnavi Joshi, and Prachi Bhutada compered the programme.
