1) The document describes the author's educational journey from childhood through completing multiple professional qualifications including CA, CS, and several diplomas while working full-time. 2) Key aspects included overcoming health issues during exams, intensive study routines working late into nights and weekends, and not taking reimbursement for exam costs to maintain independence. 3) The author credits their success to a combination of basic intelligence, immense willpower and ability to work hard in the face of challenges and negative opinions from family.

1. 10 / My Education
Friends, The word ‘Education’ is very complex and difficult to define. Generally we refer the
word education as academic education. But the word, education is very wide. Every activity
we do from childhood is the outcome of continuous education. Initially, we hesitate to do the
activity because of lack of knowledge / education. Take the example of Mobile. Now even an
illiterate person is able to handle it because he has learned the necessary skills for using a
Mobile.
The ‘Managerial skill’ is the buzz word of the day. White collared people usually have a
wrong notion that they only possess the skill due to higher education. Only they are destined
to do the skilled job in the office. Seldom it is realized that practically every job requires skill
and every skill is not taught in an educational institution. Some skills are in the family and
are transferred from one generation to another. Every job requires skill. We must appreciate
and enjoy the skill displayed by anyone irrespective of his age, caste, literacy etc. These
skills are used by them for their livelihood. Given the chance and the opportunity, they can
still do better and also acquire similar complimentary skills.
We should maintain our ‘childlike curiosity’ even with advancing age. We should remain a
‘Student’ all through life, because one can learn from any one provided you have an open
mind. Yes, I mean it. There is no end to education if you take a wider meaning of the word.
If you think seriously, you will realize that you can learn from Nature, Trees, Frog, Tortoise,
and Computer etc. The list is only illustrative. I invite your attention to my Spandane Articles
– Computer education, Frog, Chick & Bamboo Tree, Tortoise etc. You must have also read
my Articles namely My Teachers highlighting their contribution in my Life. I have given a
detailed account of my education of Astrology, Medical and many more topics in the Article
My Hobbies.
Now let me turn to the subject proper. Yes, you guessed it right. Let me share my experience
of completing academic education.
Story of my education should once again begin rightly from the 5th house of my Horoscope.
I have already mentioned that my father was very much fond of Astrology. His main concern
was his health and education of his kids. Once he took me to our Astrologer Mr. Bhide (Now

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he is no more) when I was studying in 11th standard. (1966) Mr. Bhide advised that I should be
given commerce education. He further said that it is very difficult to predict his education
because of some unexpected hurdles after 2-3 years. If he manages that problem, then again
there would be another hurdle after 4 years. We returned home with a heavy heart. Mr. Bhide
could not throw light on type of problem but assured my father that Sudhir has the basic
intelligence to complete any academic education.
There is one more angle to my selecting of commerce faculty. My sister and eldest brother
were very intelligent in the family. My sister could not think of any Professional education
due to her health problems since childhood. My eldest brother was no doubt intelligent but
had varied interests and was a bit lazy. He could have become a doctor or an engineer.
However, as my father’s health was fast declining, it was not possible. My father wished that
Shrikant (my eldest brother) should complete his graduation before he calls it a day. So my
brother took admission for B. Com. He also accepted my father’s decision without revolting.
My mother had tall plans for our education. She was of the opinion that all sons should not
take up commerce. So she forced my elder brother to take admission for Science. He also
accepted her decision without revolting and deep thinking on his future career in Science.
Friends, you are aware that I was nursing a childhood dream of becoming a doctor. However,
apart from family reality, one more factor influenced my decision of not pursuing science.
My elder brother was not at all comfortable with science especially Maths (compulsory
subject) and Laboratory practical. Having seen his experience, I decided to take up Commerce
line.
I studied in Marathi medium. I secured admission directly in 2nd standard in Municipal
school in our colony. I studied in that school up to 4th standard. I joined Wilson High School in
5th standard. Those days 11th standard was SSC unlike 10th standard as of now. I passed SSC
in June 1967.
As decided earlier, I joined Sydenham College of Commerce & Economics in June 1967.
I passed B. Com. In June 1971.
After passing B.Com. I decided to take up the CA course of 4 years. My father had already

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expired in 1969 but both the brothers since employed supported my decision. Thanks my
Bros. I did Articleship training with M/S Jayantilal Thakkar & Co. Chartered Accountants
from 14-06-1971 to 13-06-1975. I cleared Inter CA examination in May 1973 with 59% marks
and securing 36th Rank all over India.
I cleared Final CA examination in November 1974 with 53.8 % marks and securing 48th Rank
all over India. CA result was hardly 2 % those days and hence it was a great achievement to
clear the CA examination in first attempt and that too with a rank.
After passing CA, I joined Crompton Greaves Ltd on 14-06-1975 after a marathon education of
8 years after SSC. It was really a tiring experience. I decided to concentrate on my job
training. My elder brother got promoted in December 1976 and was transferred to Bank of
India, Uralikanchan branch near Poona. He got married in April 1977. By that time I was
settled in my job. I decided service target of 5 years with Crompton Greaves Ltd. Hence I
decided to take up Company Secretary course. The education format was similar to CA
course. The student was supposed to enrol with the Institute of Company Secretaries of India,
New Delhi. It was necessary to answer 5 papers per subject to seek the eligibility for appearing
for the examination. Accordingly, I enrolled with ICSI in May 1977 with a target of
attempting Inter CS examination in December 1978. Mr. Jayant did not join CS inspite of my
persuasion.
I received the Study Material from ICSI in June 1977. I read the entire Study Material for next
three months. Then I fixed the target for writing answer papers for eligibility. I decided to
write 5 answer papers per week of one subject. Every day after returning from Office, I would
devote the necessary time at night and again on Sunday for writing papers. On Monday,
I would send the answer papers by registered AD to ICSI, New Delhi for evaluation.
I followed this routine for next 6 weeks. I was extremely tired at the end of 6 weeks.
My fingers were slightly swollen.
I had written almost 800 foolscape pages. I received all answer papers duly evaluated by
February 1978. Having received the eligibility for the examination, I commenced the detailed
study for Inter CS examination to be held in December 1978.
I suffered from Kidney Stone on the first day of Inter CS examination. Readers may refer that
episode in My Health. My will power was at its best and I managed to attend all papers
against severe stomach pain. My efforts and will power were rewarded. I passed Inter CS

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examination in December 1978 securing 56.4 % marks.
Along with CS course, I decided to complete one year Diploma in Managerial Accounting
(DMA) of Mumbai University from June 1977 to June 1978. It was a part time diploma.
Classes were held on Saturday and Sunday at Bajaj Institute of Management, Churchgate.
Classes were conducted by visiting faculties from the industry. I still remember two professors
due to their teaching style, one was from L & T Ltd. and one was chief cost accountant of
BEST. I copied their style (unknowingly) initially when I became the Faculty at Bank’s Staff
Training centre. However, later on I developed my style and many participants still
remember me whenever they attend any training course. My lecture used to be live and
inviting participation from all, rather than one sided talk.
The syllabus of DMA was so vast that University could have easily made it a two year
diploma. I was already working in Management Accounts department of Crompton Greaves
Ltd. and found the diploma helpful in discharging my duties still better. I was already
working on various Projects of CG Ltd. The examination was conducted semester wise.
(December 1977 & June 1978) I successfully cleared the examination with 69.7 % marks with
2nd Rank in the University. My Project Report was adjudged as best Project Report.
Mr. Jayant Paranjape also completed the diploma successfully in the same year.
I also completed Diploma in Export Management (DEM) in March 1978 of Indian
International Trade Centre.
Having passed DMA, I decided to enrol for Diploma in Financial Management (DFM)
conducted by University of Mumbai during 1978-79. This diploma was conducted by the
university as a part of distant education programme. Mr. Jayant did not give me company for
this diploma.
I received the study material for the diploma. Examination was due in June 1979. After two
papers, I suffered from stomach infection apparently for no reason. One week prior to
examination and during examination days, I had made it point to eat at home. I took heavy
dose of medicine. I was staying at Wadala with my eldest brother. Examination centre was at
Government Law college, Churchgate. I took the taxi from Wadala to Churchgate. Mumbai
was witnessing mild rain on that day. I reached the examination centre 45 minutes before the
schedule time. The paper duration was 4 hours. I told the supervisor about my problem.
Once during the examination I had to rush to toilet. I completed the third paper well in time.

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I returned home by Taxi. My health had slightly improved. Next day I appeared for the last
paper successfully.
Having done, CA and Inter CS, this Diploma was a cake-walk for me. I completed the
diploma securing 80 % marks with 1st Rank in the University.
Having passed Inter CS examination in December 1978, I enrolled for the Final CS
examination. I received the study material in March 1979. Again I completed my first reading
of the study material within 2 months and started answering papers for eligibility. I wrote 40
papers in next 2 months (8 subjects) before appearing for DFM in June 1979 as mentioned
above. I received the eligibility for December 1979 examination.
I regularly studied from July 1979 till December 1979. This time due to work pressure I could
hardly get 15 days leave. Considering the syllabus of a Professional examination, my
preparation was just adequate. Fortunately this time, there was no health hurdle. I appeared
for the examination. However, I could only clear 7 papers and failed in one paper. I cleared
that paper in June 1980 securing 55.1 % marks in Final CS.
After passing Final CS examination, I underwent on the job training with Secretarial
department of Crompton Greaves Ltd. for one month. Thereafter I was given special leave of
15 days for training with Registrar of Companies. I became member of ICSI on 01-12-1981.
After completing DFM in June 1979, I and Mr. Jayant Paranjape decided to enrol for Diploma
in Operations Research for Management. (DORM) conducted by University of Mumbai
during 1979-80. This diploma was conducted by the university as a part of distant education
programme. It was a one year diploma. This diploma had a practical utility in day to day
management decisions. I still remember the various modules of the diploma such as
Transportation model, Queuing theory, application of resources etc. I enjoyed the topics.
I made use of these techniques in the industry. I successfully passed DORM in June 1980
securing 79 % marks with 2nd Rank in the University.
Thus from December 1977 onwards to June 1980, I was appearing for some examination or the
other. The hectic period of 3 years (1977-1980) was over. I was also serving in Crompton
Greaves Ltd. during this period. I could get only minimum leave for all these examinations
due to work pressure at the office. I studied regularly at night and on Sundays. Practically no
time was left for relaxation and entertainment. I was staying with my eldest brother at

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Wadala during this period. My mother was also staying at Wadala. Playing with my niece
and nephew was my only relaxation. This was one of the best periods of my Life.
Friends, this was the long episode of my formal academic education journey. Friends, I had
to sacrifice many things to achieve this education in a time bound manner. I missed sunrise
and sunset for many years. I hardly attended family functions and picnics. CA examination
was given during CA Articleship years. It was like an unpaid job for 8-9 hours a day. CS and
four diplomas were completed simultaneously while discharging office responsibilities and
late hours in the office. I also spent time for acting as paper examiner of ICAI, ICS, IIB,
ICWA etc. In short, there was always paucity of time for me. I could achieve these results due
to Time Management and Success Management Theories developed by me over the years.
These theories can be referred on my website. ‘You have to leave something to get
something.’
Completing academic education was just a milestone in my occupational career. I am happy
to say that the knowledge gained in CS and the diplomas could be put to use in my career
with the Industry and also in my Professional career. This helped me to enjoy my work.
As mentioned earlier, education is a continuous process because the various Acts get
amended from time to time. New enactments are made. Hence, it was necessary to constantly
upgrade and update the knowledge. I still devote good amount of my time to reading.
Subsequently, I had to study Banking Regulation Act, RBI Manual, RBI circulars for
conducting Bank Audits. Similar study was required for Audit of Insurance Companies. The
various practical books written by me on Bank Audit and Insurance Audit have been
uploaded on my website. The List of books & booklets written has been given in my
Educational & Occupational career.
Over the years, learning computer operations became inevitable. I still attend seminars and
lecture meets held by ICAI.
The quality of education was very high for all the above examinations. Result percentage was
below 2 digits. Minimum Passing marks were 50 out of 100. Level of ignorance has to be
below 50. There was no set pattern of question paper and allocation of marks for each
question. In Accountancy paper of Final CA examination, 1st question was compulsory
carrying 40 marks. Calculator was not allowed for CA & CS examination. Now calculator is
allowed in colleage. We were given Logarithm tables for doing calculations.

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The cost of all this education after B.Com must have costed about Rs. 7,500/-. I could have
recovered atleast Rs.3,000/- from Crompton Greaves Ltd. under their scheme of reimbursing
education expenses of the staff. However, I did not opt for reimbursement. I would inform
the company after passing every examination. Our Chief Personnel Manager was surprised
with my attitude of not seeking reimbursement of examination expenses. Finally, he called me
in September 1980 to enquire about the same. I told him that I won’t be serving in CG beyond
5 years. Having completed education as per my plan, I am looking for a change and wish to
take a line function as I have already worked in staff function for 5 years. (Line function and
staff function are the management terms related to Organization Chart) Why should CG bear
the cost? I will recover it from my new employer in my pay packet. He congratulated me for
my bold and clear thinking on the subject.
This Article on My Education will be incomplete if I fail to thank my cousin sister and eldest
brother for giving negative inspiration in my school & college days by branding me an
ordinary student. I am not approving their method because it could have ruined my Life but
I kept cool, maintained the fire in my mind, took a challenge and decided to reply through
results. In the process I wrote this Formula namely Success = Basic Intelligence X Hard Work
X Fate / Luck. I have achieved such educational level that nobody could have ever imagined.
My father would have been very happy. But I am sure that he must have blessed me from
heaven. Astrologer also could not predict the educational level. However, he had confirmed
that I have the basic intelligence to take up any education. The 5th house of my horoscope was
fairly silent except indicating commerce education. Having learned Astrology, I analyzed my
horoscope and tried to discover the answer for my success. Few planets gave me immense will
power and ability to work hard. I exploited that combination unknowingly giving birth to
above success formula.
‘The greatest pleasure in Life is doing what people say you cannot do.’ This is the secret of
my energy till date.
Friends, If you get the inspiration from my long journey of hurdles and educational
achievements by an ordinary student, then I would feel that my efforts are rewarded.