Unveiling the Journey of Kushal Lodha: From Chartered Accountant to Entrepreneurial Trailblazer

June 3, 2024

3 Minutes

Kushal Lodha, a 23-year-old individual, has recently embarked upon a remarkable professional journey as a qualified chartered accountant. His path, while perhaps not as extraordinary as some, has been marked by unwavering determination and a deep-seated motivation instilled within him by his beloved grandfather.

Inspiration and Early Steps

Kushal’s father had harbored aspirations of becoming a chartered accountant in the 1990s, but unfortunately, he was unable to pass the exam. Nonetheless, his belief persisted that if one member of their family could achieve this distinction, it would fulfill his dream. Kushal, taking up this mantle, became resolute in his pursuit, not only for his own success but also to bring joy to his father’s heart.

Embarking on the CA Course

The Chartered Accountancy course is renowned for its rigorous curriculum and demanding syllabus. Kushal embarked on his journey with the Common Proficiency Test (CPT), the entrance examination for the program. Dedicating himself to intensive study, he achieved a commendable sixth rank in India for the CPT.

Intermediate Exam and an Unexpected Twist

Following the completion of intermediate classes, Kushal was granted a three-month study leave. He seized this opportunity, locking away his mobile phone to minimize distractions and immersing himself in preparation for the Intermediate Exam.

To his astonishment, his initial results placed him at the 10th rank in India. However, his subject teacher, Mayur Sanghvi, expressed concerns regarding Kushal’s low marks in the Accounts subject. Reluctant to challenge the results, Kushal submitted a request for paper rechecking.

A month later, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India informed Kushal that his rank had been revised from 10 to 5 due to an error in the grading of his Accounts paper. Overjoyed, Kushal shared this news with his teacher, who had been instrumental in this remarkable turn of events.

Article Shift and Challenges

After the intermediate exam, Kushal transitioned into the article shift, the internship phase of the CA course. He joined a mid-size firm in Mumbai on April 1, 2017. Initially, he faced challenges with his strict and demanding boss.

One Saturday evening, Kushal inquired if he could leave early as there were no urgent tasks pending. To his disappointment, he was met with a harsh response. Disillusioned, Kushal contemplated abandoning his article shift and returning to his grandfather’s business.

Embracing Challenges and Mumbai’s Influence

His father’s words of encouragement motivated Kushal to persevere, understanding that adversity can serve as a catalyst for growth. He embraced the challenges and gradually adapted to the demands of his work environment.

His time in Mumbai taught Kushal valuable lessons about frugality and resourcefulness. He relied on public transportation, dined in the company canteen, and lived in a shared hostel to minimize expenses. These experiences instilled in him a strong sense of practicality and financial discipline.

Final Exams and Sacrifices

The final year of the CA course is a critical period that demands unwavering focus and dedication. Kushal immersed himself in his studies, sacrificing attendance at his sister’s wedding and other social gatherings.

He spent countless hours studying and practicing mock tests. He also sought assistance from his social media connections, reaching out to friends who clarified his doubts and provided support. As the exam approached, he disconnected his mobile phone and entrusted it to his father for safekeeping.

Announcement of Results and Elation

On January 16, 2020, Kushal’s life transformed forever. He received a call from the Chairman of the Board of Studies, congratulating him on securing fifth rank in India for the final examination. Overwhelmed with joy, he immediately shared this news with his family. His grandfather, in particular, was overcome with emotion, tears streaming down his face.

Career Journey and the Value of Failure

Following his success in the exam, Kushal began applying for jobs. However, he received rejections from several top companies. This setback shook his confidence and led to a period of introspection. Nonetheless, he recognized that even the most exceptional individuals experience disappointments.

Kushal continued to apply for positions and eventually received an offer from the esteemed Aditya Birla Group. He recalled the words of mental health advocate Padma Shree Ton Manoran, who emphasized the significance of celebrating success without allowing it to inflate one’s ego and embracing failure as an opportunity for growth.

Embracing Social Media and Sharing Knowledge

Concurrent with his corporate career, Kushal began sharing his knowledge and study materials on social media platforms. His goal was to inspire and support other students preparing for the CA exams. While some initially criticized his activities as a distraction, he remained steadfast in his mission to assist others.

Departure from Corporate Life and Entrepreneurial Ventures

After two years with the Aditya Birla Group, Kushal realized the need for greater freedom and autonomy in his work. On June 30, 2022, he made the bold decision to leave his well-paying job to pursue other ventures.

He founded Dot Club, an online platform that fosters a community for finance professionals to access courses, network, and exchange knowledge. Additionally, he created a YouTube channel, Create Media Crew Media, where he produces documentaries highlighting notable Indian businesses.

Present Day and Reflections

Today, Kushal enjoys a fulfilling life both professionally and personally. He is grateful for the unwavering support of his family and the valuable lessons he has learned along the way. He continues to pursue his passions, create content that empowers others, and strive for excellence in all his endeavors.