ICAI Celebrates 79th Independence Day In Pahalgam; Stands In Solidarity With Armed Forces And Jammu & Kashmir

• First national institution to hold a high-level meeting in Pahalgam, post-tragedy.

• From Policy to Prosperity: ICAI proposes strategic collaborations in the valley and works towards restoring normalcy and rebuilding trust.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) celebrated 79th Independence Day in Pahalgam with the people of Kashmir, standing in solidarity with Armed Forces and reaffirming its commitment to stand by the citizens of Jammu & Kashmir in this hour of distress.

On this occasion, CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda, President, ICAI said, “As we celebrate the 79th Independence Day in Pahalgam, our message is clear - ICAI stands united with the Valley. Our presence here is more than symbolic; it is a testament to hope, a reaffirmation that normal life will return and a promise to work together for lasting peace and shared prosperity. This Council Meeting was not just an agenda of governance, it was a declaration of courage, continuity and collective resilience. By bringing our members and their families to the Valley, we wanted to show that the spirit of Kashmir remains unshaken. Beyond our role in accounting, governance reforms and economic revival, ICAI is committed to standing firm against the forces of terror and to being a partner in building a secure and thriving future for this land.”

In a strong gesture of solidarity with the people of Jammu & Kashmir and the Armed Forces, ICAI also hosted its 445th Council Meeting in Pahalgam from August 12–14, 2025. The event brought together over 40 senior council members along with their families to visit the serin valley of Pahalgam, showing confidence in the region, after the tragic Baisaran incident of April 22.

Shri Omar Abdullah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, graced the Council Meeting and extended heartfelt thanks to ICAI for choosing Pahalgam for this landmark event. “Your presence here has a lot of weight… it sends a powerful message of confidence and support. It reflects your belief in this place and reassures our people that better days lie ahead,” he said, acknowledging ICAI’s faith in the region.

CA. Prasanna Kumar D, Vice-President, ICAI, added, “ICAI is the first Institution to visit Pahalgam with its entire senior leadership after the tragic incident. It is a proud moment to celebrate this Independence Day here; it reflects our commitment to the people of the valley and solidarity with our armed forces.

ICAI reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local livelihoods, encouraging commerce and everyday joys to return to Pahalgam. As the national anthem resonated through the valley, the message was clear; ICAI believes in the power of community, especially in difficult times and celebrates the lifeblood of Jammu & Kashmir, the ordinary citizens, determined to move forward.

About ICAI

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is a statutory body set up by an Act of Parliament under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 for the regulation and development of the profession of Chartered Accountancy in India. The Institute functions under the administrative supervision of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. With over 15 Lakh Members and Students, today ICAI is the largest professional accountancy body in the world. ICAI has a wide network of 5 Regional Councils and 182 Branches within India and a global presence with 54 Overseas Chapters and 31 Representative Offices spanning 85 cities across 47 Countries worldwide.