A remarkable story of resilience and determination unfolds as we delve into the life of P. Kaangeyan, a government school student from Sivakasi, who has defied all odds to achieve his dream of becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA).
Overcoming Adversity: A CA Success Story
Kaangeyan's journey is an inspiration, especially for those facing similar challenges. Growing up in poverty and losing his father at a young age, he never let these obstacles deter him from his goals. On Monday, his hard work paid off as he cleared one of India's toughest examinations, the CA Final.
"It was a neighbor's suggestion that sparked my interest in the CA path. They noticed my math skills while I was studying for my Class X exam. From that moment on, I knew I had to fight for this dream," Kaangeyan, now 24, shared.
His parents, working in the printing and fireworks industries, could only afford government school education for their three children. Despite the financial constraints, Kaangeyan's father always emphasized the importance of education, believing it would secure a better future for their family.
Kaangeyan chose the Commerce stream in Plus Two, and his dedication was evident as he cycled 25 km daily to school, achieving top marks in his group. He even became the first student from his school to score a perfect 100 in Accountancy.
But here's where it gets controversial... Kaangeyan initially opted for a C.A. Academy, but the English textbooks proved to be a significant barrier due to his Tamil-medium schooling. He made a bold decision to switch to a B. Com course instead, a move that many might question.
It was during his college years that a turning point occurred. An auditor, S. Rathinagiri, offered to sponsor the CA course fees for students who performed well in a model exam. Kaangeyan seized this opportunity, and with the support of his Head of Department, Suresh, he began his CA journey.
The biggest challenge for Kaangeyan was reproducing his concepts in English. He dedicated two months to mastering English grammar, a decision that transformed his approach to the examination. Within months, he cleared the CA foundation course and progressed to the Inter examination.
And this is the part most people miss... the COVID-19 outbreak. While it disrupted lives worldwide, it provided Kaangeyan with more time to focus on his CA Inter studies as college shifted to an online mode. However, tragedy struck when his father passed away in a road accident in 2021, leaving the family in shock and grief.
"My father's words about the power of education kept me going. I drew strength from his wisdom and decided to honor his memory by continuing my pursuit of becoming a CA," Kaangeyan explained.
He joined an auditor's office in Chennai for his articleship, but failure in the first attempt at the CA Final almost made him give up. The family's financial struggles, exacerbated by his mother's illness, weighed heavily on him.
"Chennai offered me a stipend of ₹8,000, which was crucial for our survival. Returning home would only add to the family's burden," he said, highlighting the difficult choices he had to make.
To stay afloat, Kaangeyan took on freelance work, preparing Income Tax returns and GST filings. Simultaneously, he persevered in his CA studies, finally conquering the Final examination in his fourth attempt.
"There were times when fear crept in, but I reminded myself of my goal - to become an auditor and inspire countless government school students. Reflecting on my journey gives me a sense of pride and accomplishment," Kaangeyan concluded.
Kaangeyan's story is a testament to the power of education and the resilience of the human spirit. It serves as a reminder that challenges can be overcome, and dreams can be realized, no matter the circumstances.
What do you think? Is Kaangeyan's decision to switch from the C.A. Academy to a B. Com course a wise move? Share your thoughts and let's discuss the various paths to success!
