MUKESH PATEL
An eminent international tax expert, Mukesh
Patel commands over three decades of professional excellence in the core areas
of his specialization in personal and corporate tax planning, appellate
matters, international taxation, joint ventures and collaborations and tax and
investment planning for NRIs. He is a Director on the Board of a number of
leading public companies, prominent among them being Zydus Cadila, Hitachi and
Sandesh. He has also served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the
Ahmedabad Stock Exchange.
Having extensively travelled to over 75
countries across all the six continents, he has closely studied several major
tax systems. He has served as the Standing Counsel of The Indo-Japanese
Economic Co-operation Council, The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce and The
International Forum of NRIs.
In 1985, the international year of youth,
he received the prestigious honour of being recognized as ‘One of the Five
Outstanding Young Professionals of the World.’ He has also been conferred with
the Honorary Life Membership of the International Tax Bar Association. In
appreciation of his long standing services to the NRI community, he was
felicitated with the ‘Friend of NRIs Award’ at the International NRI Convention
at Chicago in 1997.
Having devoted 28 years for teaching, he
was actively associated as a Visiting Professor at the Gujarat Law Society and
the reputed Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad. A popular weekly
columnist in the leading dailies ‘Sandesh’, ‘The Times of India’, ‘Gujarat
Samachar’ and ‘The New Indian Express’, he has written a record number of over
2,600 articles in Gujarati and English during the past 32 years. His
widely acclaimed annual publication in Gujarati, ‘Practical Tax Planning &
Ready Reckoner,’ has been a best seller ever since its release in 1979.
‘Smart Strategies for Tax Planning,’ ‘Practical Tax & Investment Planning,’
‘Axe your Tax and Relax’ and ‘Tax Planning via Planning of Investments’ are
among the popular English book titles authored by him.
An eloquent speaker, Mukesh has been
awarded the ‘Hall of Fame Acclaim on the World Academy of Speakers’ and the
‘Outstanding Speaker of the 20th Century Award’ in recognition of his
noteworthy achievements in the field of public speaking. He conceived and
anchored the first of its kind TV Serial on tax payer education entitled ‘Tax
Free’, which ran into 16 popular episodes on Doordarshan. His 16 innovative
presentations in the serial ‘Money Magic’ on Zee Gujarati, focusing on Tax
& Investment Planning, met with equally overwhelming response of the
viewers.
As a professional leader, he has served as
President of all the four leading tax bar associations in Gujarat, the All
Gujarat Federation of Tax Consultants, Income Tax Bar Association, Income Tax
Appellate Tribunal Bar Association and the Tax Advocates Association. He has
championed several causes for taxpayers, not just through his articles and
talks, but also by pioneering landmark PILs. Mukesh left his indelible mark as
a vibrant President of the Ahmedabad Management Association and the Gujarat
Chamber of Commerce and Industry energizing them with a dynamic vision and
mission and scaling them to new heights. He has also served as Vice President
of the All India Management Association and has been an active member on the
National Executives of apex Chambers ASSOCHAM and FICCI.
His all round contributions in diverse
spheres of public life have come to be featured in the biographic publication
‘Trail Blazers of Gujarat.’ In recognition of his dedicated contribution,
noteworthy achievements and meritorious services both in his profession and in
public life he was awarded the first ‘Outstanding Professional of Gujarat
Award’ by the All Gujarat Federation of Tax Consultants in January, 2010.
“A Rupee saved is a Rupee earned,” says the well-known dictum. In the
context of the current Indian Income-tax Law, one could modify this saying to
read as “a Rupee saved from tax, equals one and a half Rupees earned.” Every
Monday since August, 2010, ‘AM Tax Clues’ has endeavored to show its readers
how to save their Rupee from tax, lawfully of course. And after 173 write-ups
during the 40 months until date, as your columnist signs off and concludes this
column today with a great sense of joy and fulfillment, a big thank you to dear
readers, who have not only read, admired and appreciated this column, but also
shared their critical feedback and meaningful response from time to time!
An Eminent International Tax Expert, an Eloquent Public Speaker, a
Dedicated Professor, a Popular Columnist, a Versatile Author, an Articulate TV
Anchor, an extensive Globe Trotter, an Accomplished Photographer, a Centurion
Blood Donor and a Champion of several worthy causes … go to describe the
multifaceted personality of Mukesh Patel.
He enjoys the
honour and distinction of having been conferred with several International
Awards and 9+Recognitions including ‘Outstanding Speaker of the Twentieth
Century’, ‘The Friend of NRIs Award’, ‘The Indo-Japanese Friendship Award &
Imperial Medallion’, ‘The British Red Cross Salutation – The Cup of Joy &
Life’, ‘Hall of Fame Acclaim on the World Academy of Speakers’, ‘Outstanding
Young Professional of the World’ , ‘Honorary Fellowship of the World Assembly
of Youth’ and ‘Honorary Life Membership of the International Tax Bar
Association.’
His all
round contributions in diverse spheres of public life came to be featured in
the biographic publication ‘Trail Blazers of Gujarat.’ In recognition of his
dedicated contribution, noteworthy achievements and meritorious services both
in his profession and in public life, he was awarded the first ‘Outstanding
Professional of Gujarat Award’ by the All Gujarat Federation of Tax Consultants
in January, 2010.
A Visiting Professor at
the Gujarat Law Society and the reputed Indian Institute of Management,
Ahmedabad and a Weekly Columnist on Direct Tax Laws in the leading dailies
‘Sandesh,’ ‘Gujarat Samachar,’ ‘The Times of India’ and ‘Ahmedabad Mirror’,
Mukesh Patel has devoted nearly 35 years for the cause of legal education and
tax journalism, with the tally of his popularly read newspaper articles in
Gujarati and English now nearing the 3,000 mark.
His widely
acclaimed annual publication in Gujarati, ‘Practical Tax Planning & Ready
Reckoner,’ has been a record best seller ever since its release in 1979.
‘Save Tax,’ ‘Smart Strategies for Tax Planning,’ ‘Practical Tax &
Investment Planning,’ ‘Axe your Tax and Relax’ and ‘Tax Planning via Planning
of Investments’ are among the popular English Book Titles authored by him.
His studied
and thought provoking annual presentations on the Analysis of the Union Budget and
other subjects relating to Tax and Investment Planning for the past over 30
years, which have crossed the 600 mark, are eagerly looked forward to. He
conceived and anchored the first of its kind TV Serial on Tax Payer Education
entitled ‘Tax Free’, which ran into 16 popular episodes on Doordarshan. His 16
innovative presentations in the serial ‘Money Magic’ on Zee Gujarati, focusing
on Tax & Investment Planning, met with equally overwhelming response of the
viewers.
Inspirational Reading and
Creative Photography have been his spirited pursuits for years, which have
bloomed and prospered during his extensive travel to over 75 countries, across
all the six continents around the world. The Exhibition of his
Photographs entitled ‘Around the World through a Lens Eye,’ received extensive
appreciation. His Book ‘Inspirational Gems to Empower your Life’ and
Timeless Calendar ‘Enchanting Photo Classics with Inspirational A to Z Quotes’
have been widely reviewed and acclaimed.
As an Institution
Builder, he has groomed and nurtured several leading institutions with his
dynamic vision and leadership during his Presidential Tenure, prominent among
them being the Ahmedabad Management Association, the Gujarat Chamber of
Commerce & Industry, the Indo-Japan Friendship Association, Gujarat, the
Indian Red Cross Society, Ahmedabad, the All Gujarat Federation of Tax
Consultants, the Income-tax Appellate Tribunal Bar Association, the Income Tax
Bar Association and the Tax Advocates Association. He has actively served
on the Managing Bodies of apex organizations such as FICCI, ASSOCHAM, ICC AND
AIMA. He is also the Standing Counsel of The Indo-Japanese Economic
Co-operation Council, The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce and The
International Forum of NRIs.
During his
student days, he learned valuable lessons in leadership and public life,
getting opportunity to spearhead the historic Navnirman Movement of 1974 as one of its
front-rank leaders. His dynamic role as the think-tank and articulate
spokesperson of the Movement came to be internationally lauded at the ‘Round
Table on Student Movements of the World’ organized by the World Assembly of
Youth atGeneva. An active Boy Scout at school, he also received the President’s
Scout Award & Medal.
A
champion supporter of the Red Cross and the Voluntary Blood Donation Movement,
he has himself donated blood for 125 times. He has also supported the setting
up of ‘Mukesh M. Patel –AMAAcademyfor Public Speaking and Personality Development’
at the Ahmedabad Management Association. The Academy aims at regularly
organizing a variety of training programmes on Public Speaking and Personality
Development, not only in Ahmedabad, but all over Gujarat. As the Vice President
of the Dehgam Taluka Education Society, he has been instrumental in the setting
up of a model educational complex for the benefit of the all-round education of
rural youth.
He is a Director on the
Board of several leading public companies, prominent among them being Zydus
Cadila,Hitachi, Sandesh, etc. He has also served as the Chairman of the Board
of Directors of the Ahmedabad Stock Exchange.
Mukesh Patel the tax expert
who has authored books like Axe
your Tax and Relax and delved
in movements such as the "right to recall" of elected representatives
who were turning out to be non-performers.
http://www.aiim.ac.in/smallimg/MukeshPatel.htm
An
eminent international tax expert, Mukesh Patel commands over three decades of
professional excellence in the core areas of his specialization in personal and
corporate tax planning, appellate matters, international taxation, joint
ventures and collaborations and tax and investment planning for NRIs. He is a
Director on the Board of a number of leading public companies, prominent among
them being Zydus Cadila, Hitachi and Sandesh. He has also served as the
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Ahmedabad Stock Exchange.
Global Tax Scholar, Friend of NRIs
Having extensively travelled to over 75 countries across all the six continents, Mukesh has closely studied several major tax systems. He has served as the Standing Counsel of The Indo-Japanese Economic Co-operation Council, The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce and The International Forum of NRIs.
Having extensively travelled to over 75 countries across all the six continents, Mukesh has closely studied several major tax systems. He has served as the Standing Counsel of The Indo-Japanese Economic Co-operation Council, The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce and The International Forum of NRIs.
In
1985, the international year of youth, he received the prestigious honour of
being recognized as ‘One of the Five Outstanding Young Professionals of the
World.’ He has also been conferred with the Honorary Life Membership of the
International Tax Bar Association. In appreciation of his long standing
services to the NRI community, he was felicitated with the ‘Friend of NRIs
Award’ at the International NRI Convention at Chicago in 1997.
Devoted Professor, Popular Columnist & Author
Having devoted 28 years for teaching, he was actively associated as a Visiting Professor at the Gujarat Law Society and the reputed Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.
Having devoted 28 years for teaching, he was actively associated as a Visiting Professor at the Gujarat Law Society and the reputed Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.
A
popular weekly columnist in the leading dailies ‘Sandesh’, ‘The Times of
India’, ‘Gujarat Samachar’ and ‘The New Indian Express’, Mukesh has written a
record number of over 2,600 articles in Gujarati and English during the past 32
years.
His
widely acclaimed annual publication in Gujarati, ‘Practical Tax Planning &
Ready Reckoner,’ has been a best seller ever since its release in 1979. ‘Smart
Strategies for Tax Planning,’ ‘Practical Tax & Investment Planning,’ ‘Axe
your Tax and Relax’ and ‘Tax Planning via Planning of Investments’ are among
the popular English book titles authored by him.
Eloquent Speaker, Articulate TV Anchor
An eloquent speaker, Mukesh has been awarded the ‘Hall of Fame Acclaim on the World Academy of Speakers’ and the ‘Outstanding Speaker of the 20th Century Award’ in recognition of his noteworthy achievements in the field of public speaking. He has also supported the setting up of ‘Mukesh M. Patel – AMA Academy for Public Speaking and Personality Development’ at the Ahmedabad Management Association.
An eloquent speaker, Mukesh has been awarded the ‘Hall of Fame Acclaim on the World Academy of Speakers’ and the ‘Outstanding Speaker of the 20th Century Award’ in recognition of his noteworthy achievements in the field of public speaking. He has also supported the setting up of ‘Mukesh M. Patel – AMA Academy for Public Speaking and Personality Development’ at the Ahmedabad Management Association.
He
has addressed over 600 meetings on a wide range of subjects before various
forums in India and abroad. His in-depth annual analysis of the Union Budget is
keenly awaited and largely attended. He has not missed a single important town
or city of Gujarat during over three decades of his Budget Yatra, which he has
pursued with a missionary zeal. In association with the Times of India,
Ahmedabad, he initiated an innovative media campaign of ‘Budget Ho To Aisa’
featuring the presentation of a model budget mirroring people’s aspirations.
He
conceived and anchored the first of its kind TV Serial on tax payer education
entitled ‘Tax Free’, which ran into 16 popular episodes on Doordarshan. His 16
innovative presentations in the serial ‘Money Magic’ on Zee Gujarati, focusing
on Tax & Investment Planning, met with equally overwhelming response of the
viewers.
Visionary Leader, Institution Builder
As a professional leader, Mukesh has served as President of all the four leading tax bar associations in Gujarat, the All Gujarat Federation of Tax Consultants, Income Tax Bar Association, Income Tax Appellate Tribunal Bar Association and the Tax Advocates Association. He has championed several causes for taxpayers, not just through his articles and talks, but also by pioneering landmark PILs, notable among them being the writ petitions challenging the illogical provisions of FBT and the complexities under the new tax return. His latest series of write-ups and talks on ‘Cracking the Code’ analyzing the critical concerns of the proposed Direct Tax Code was very widely appreciated.
As a professional leader, Mukesh has served as President of all the four leading tax bar associations in Gujarat, the All Gujarat Federation of Tax Consultants, Income Tax Bar Association, Income Tax Appellate Tribunal Bar Association and the Tax Advocates Association. He has championed several causes for taxpayers, not just through his articles and talks, but also by pioneering landmark PILs, notable among them being the writ petitions challenging the illogical provisions of FBT and the complexities under the new tax return. His latest series of write-ups and talks on ‘Cracking the Code’ analyzing the critical concerns of the proposed Direct Tax Code was very widely appreciated.
During
his student days, he learned valuable lessons in leadership and public life,
getting opportunity to spearhead the historic Navnirman Movement of 1974 as one
of its front-rank leaders. His dynamic role as the think-tank and articulate
spokesperson of the Movement came to be internationally lauded at the ‘Round
Table on Student Movements of the World’ organized by the World Assembly of
Youth at Geneva. An active Boy Scout at school, he also received the
President’s Scout Award & Medal.
Mukesh
left his indelible mark as a vibrant President of the Ahmedabad Management
Association and the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry energizing them
with a dynamic vision and mission and scaling them to new heights. He has also
served as Vice President of the All India Management Association and has been
an active member on the National Executives of apex Chambers ASSOCHAM and
FICCI.
Dedicated Social Worker, Centurion Blood Donor
An ardent crusader of the voluntary blood donation movement since his student days, Mukesh is a Centurion Blood Donor having himself donated blood for 123 times. In appreciation of his outstanding contribution and dedicated services for this humanitarian cause, he was presented the ‘British Red Cross Salutation – The Cup of Joy & Life.’ He has been actively serving as the President of the Indian Red Cross Society, Ahmedabad since 2001. He is keenly involved with the activities of Dehgam Taluka Education Society of which he is the Vice President.
An ardent crusader of the voluntary blood donation movement since his student days, Mukesh is a Centurion Blood Donor having himself donated blood for 123 times. In appreciation of his outstanding contribution and dedicated services for this humanitarian cause, he was presented the ‘British Red Cross Salutation – The Cup of Joy & Life.’ He has been actively serving as the President of the Indian Red Cross Society, Ahmedabad since 2001. He is keenly involved with the activities of Dehgam Taluka Education Society of which he is the Vice President.
Japanese Patron, Talented Photographer
Closely associated with Japan since his student days, he founded the Indo-Japan Friendship Association, Gujarat in 1975 and is currently its President. In appreciation of his meritorious services for promoting bilateral relations, he received the unique distinction of being presented the ‘Indo-Japanese Friendship Award and Imperial Medallion’ in the Japanese Parliament.
Closely associated with Japan since his student days, he founded the Indo-Japan Friendship Association, Gujarat in 1975 and is currently its President. In appreciation of his meritorious services for promoting bilateral relations, he received the unique distinction of being presented the ‘Indo-Japanese Friendship Award and Imperial Medallion’ in the Japanese Parliament.
Inspirational
reading and creative photography have been his spirited pursuits for years. The
exhibition of his photographs entitled ‘Around the World through a Lens Eye,’
received extensive appreciation. His book ‘Inspirational Gems to Empower your
Life’ and timeless calendar ‘Enchanting Photo Classics with Inspirational A to
Z Quotes’ have been widely reviewed and acclaimed.
His
all round contributions in diverse spheres of public life have come to be
featured in the biographic publication ‘Trail Blazers of Gujarat.’ In
recognition of his dedicated contribution, noteworthy achievements and
meritorious services both in his profession and in public life he was awarded
the first ‘Outstanding Professional of Gujarat Award’ by the All Gujarat
Federation of Tax Consultants in January, 2010.
http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/life/2008/04/04/stories/2008040450040200.htm
Perhaps the most significant is the
realisation of the importance of time management: How is it that the busiest
people always seem to have the most time? What makes, for instance, a madly
busy tax consultant like Mukesh Patel tick? His hobby, he informs Kanwar, his
photography. “My pursuits in photography have greatly contributed to
inculcating within me the virtues of patience, innovation, and creativity,” he
tells Kanwar and here hangs a hint for those willing to see: open up your mind,
do things not dream them all day long, don’t be a one-horse band.
1.
What inspired you to do whatever you
have done for making a difference to others? What are the sources of
inspiration? (If you like you may
mention any one or two instances that changed your life and made you start something
new or something different that laid the foundation for your work).
I
personally feel that a person may be from any walk of life but there is an
opportunity for him to do something meaningful which gives him the joy and satisfaction
of a job well done and at the same time helps the society. This ideology is
what has driven me all along. My profession in the legal area was not only a
means to earn my bread and butter. But, I also saw it as a way to use it as a
tool for the greater good of the society. I did this through the modus operand
of teaching.
In
the initial years when I had started teaching in Sir L.A.Shah College we were
getting hardly any honorary fees of Rs 500. However, our only motivation was
that we were spreading knowledge and helping in grooming the next generation of
lawyers. At the same time I kept on thinking what else I can do and decided
that I have a flair for writing so I should use it. So I started writing
articles in simple language without any legal jargons. I started writing for
Gujarat Samachar in 1978 at a time when none of the other publications had any
articles being written on tax. And Gujarati community being very conscious
about their tax and huge amount of awareness regarding their rights and
obligation I decided to take up this call and started writhing in
Gujarati. Today it has been around 4
decades of writing.
As
I have referred in the book, Trailblazers of Gujarat by Kamlendra Kanwar that I
credit these values in teaching, writing and talking to- Mr I.M. Nanavati,
Justice Krishna Iyer and Nani Palkhivala. Mr Palkhivala was always a role
model. Justice Krishna Iyer inspired me to take up cause of common tax payers
in legal education. - Mr I.M. Nanavati inspired me into legal teaching. And then
came the third dimension of creating awareness amongst the tax payers and
general citizens regarding Union Budgets. And I learnt this art of dissecting
and analyzing the Union Budget from Mr Nanai Palkhivala during my student days.
For two years 1978 and 1979 he called me to Mumbai and guided me on how to
analyze the Union Budget critically. He took a commitment from me that I would
reach out to people of Gujarat analyzing and interpreting the budget and
creating awareness amongst them about the national economic challenges. I took
this up as a mission and I have kept it up, travelling across Gujarat, not
having missed a single important town or city over the years for post budget
analysis. It’s been 3 decades and year after year I say to myself during the
week after the budget is declared that I would work hard for my cause. In that
week I have done as many as 21 meetings non stop.
So
all this was within my profession that I could reach out and make a difference.
Moreover through books also I tried to contribute to the society. I decided to
form a foundation to manage the royalties I was getting for my books and other publications,
as I was going to give it all in charity.
Through
my T.V shows also like “Tax Free”, which ran into 16 popular episodes on Doordarshan
was also able to create a lot of awareness.
So,
when one gives back to the society it’s a win-win situation for both parties as
when ones gives to others through his skill and knowledge makes him a better
person as well as professional too. I was the biggest beneficiary in all these
causes as I had to equip myself with knowledge so as to teach others which
later helped in my profession.
As
a tax consultant I helped my clients become good and honest tax payers. Instead
of tax evasion I helped them to save their money through tax planning.
So
you can put a meaning and a purpose to anything and everything you are doing.
Outside
my profession I tried to make a difference through my initiatives at Red Cross
and as a head in almost all the top bodies of taxation. A leader has to lead by
example and this idea pushed me to become a centurion blood donor. One of the
other things I have taken up and championed is the Public Litigations for tax
payers, as the bureaucrats and officers can be very harsh and if a tax payer
doesn’t stand up and fight then he loses a lot.
Lastly,
I enjoyed taking up initiatives purely for in the interest of the public in the
educational front or social front.
Through
by profession I got to travel extensively and thus came the opportunity in
photography. I thought that there are people who are good photographers abut
they don’t get to travel and there are those who travel but have no interest in
photography. So I decided that I have some interest in photography, why not to
develop it and use it while I travel. So I never use to get bored or fatigued
while travelling. This also inspired me to write my photo calendar and quote
book.
So the essence of effectiveness is to
make the most out of whatever you do.
2.
What do you consider as your own
strong points that helped you to accomplish whatever you have been able to?
When did you discover them? How? How did you cultivate them?
One biggest weakness is not realizing his own strengths. My biggest
strength is my ATTITUDE. This is one tool amongst so many that could take you
the farthest. This quality of mine has
really helped me in the various challenges that came across in my life. Like
when all my colleagues had given up when we weren’t being able to acquire land
for AMA, I never gave up and thus ultimately we were able to collaborate with ATIRA
and make our dream come true. As for
the capital for the resources, around 4 crore Rs was required, which is a
pretty high amount even by today’s standards. However, we were able to come up
with various ideas during my tenure as AMA’s President that really turned
things around.
The “Never say die” attitude is and has always worked for me. Persistence
pays. And the AMA story is precisely that. Once you are focused on your aim you
will achieve it whatsoever. Many times we have a dream and it happens that when
we are just about to give up on that dream that we don’t realize that success
is just round the corner. It all starts with attitude.
“Success belongs to them who believe in the beauty of their dreams”. And
AMA, the way it came up, was a dream. We fought for our dream with a passion
and were able to achieve it.
3.
What in your opinion are some of the
qualities that people need to cultivate to make a difference to others?
Understanding,
compassion and empathy are in my opinion some qualities that people need to
cultivate to make a difference to others. Is like “caring and sharing”. Your family,
friends, subordinates , boss, institutions , its members etc. Just caring to try to make a positive
difference in other people’s life makes a lot of impact.
People
are not remembered for anything else but for the positive difference they brought
in the lives of other people. “People do not care how much you now until they
know how much you care”. So caring is very important.
And
I am always reminded of these lines by H.W. Longfellow
“ Lives
of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time “
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time “
So
this ideology of compassion and giving would carry you a long way.
4.
What messages would you like to give
for others to be or to become an effective person?
Basically
to be efficient one would have to make his/her own recipe. There is no clear formula
to achieve it as everybody is different and special in that way. However there
are couple of things which I consider important are
Values:
there are no shortcuts in life. You may reach the destination quickly with it
but and the end would be a loser as in the long term these shortcuts don’t
really work. So any kind of success you achieve by sacrificing your values will
not take you long.
When
I am talking about “effectiveness” it is not just the material progress but a
holistic progress which includes your mental, spiritual, physical progress.
Only maney or material success should not be considered as a parameter of success.
Part 2: (to be commented after answering the above
questions)
Given below are some qualities the
author has observed from my earlier studies on effective people in
organizations. Please comment on these qualities or principles:
1.
They have a goal in life- small or big, or mission or vision etc.
I fully
endorse this. I you think you can move forward without any aim or goal then you
are in a fool’s paradise. Any kind of goal, aim or dream even is very important
if one has to make one’s life meaningful. Only then will you have a direction
2. They create Turning points that keep turning their
life for good and take them step by step
The main point that differentiates an effective person from someone who cannot be putten in this category is
precisely this characteristics. They may be facing the same situation or
challenge but an effective person would find opportunity in the same situation
while the other person is gives up.
Every adversity has an opportunity that can be turned into
opportunity.
3.
They recognise their strengths and leverage them.
Agreed.
Your strengths are your driving force.
4.
They identify their vulnerabilities and manage them. For example
some people have managed their temper to their advantage or introvert nature
for their growth etc.
It is important to know your weaknesses so as they not become a
hindrance in your success or hardwork. Modesty and humility is required in
order to know about your weaknesses.
5.
They think Positive and work with hope of success. Each one
develops her/his own way of being positive.
I have already talked about it. Positivity is paramount to overcome
challenges and move forward.
6. They manage difficult times with perseverance
7. Their Values are their greatest resource.
Integrity and character are the most important.
Agreed and already discussed. Very
important qualities. Inner strength comes from these.
8.
They manage their time. “The time is what God has given you. How much
you never know. Live as though it short and get the best by giving your best”.
Everyone has the same time but there are those who multiply it and there
are those who divide it. It is on you how you see and value time .
9.
They are compassionate and have an Integrative mind set. It is
integrative mind that succeeds and derives happiness. Divisive minds are always
unhappy.
True happiness can only be achieved only if you spread happiness around
you.
10. They think of the last
day. Keep thinking of those who are not here. What have they carried with them
and what have they left behind. They decide what they want to carry with them
you and what you want to leave behind. They begin with their own
obituary.
Wonderfully put. Like a student
who becomes the most efficient one day before examination, if we too were told
that you have 1000 hours to live, our entire approach towards life would
change.
On
Effectiveness
I may not put myself in any
category but I do find myself trying to achieve the above 10 parameters. I
succeed sometimes and sometimes I don’t but the aim is always to do as much as
possible.
Profile
An Eminent International Tax Expert, an Eloquent Public
Speaker, a Dedicated Professor, a Popular Columnist, a Versatile Author, an
Articulate TV Anchor, an extensive Globe Trotter, an Accomplished Photographer,
a Centurion Blood Donor and a Champion of several worthy causes … go to
describe the multifaceted personality of Mukesh Patel.
His life is an object lesson in harmonizing a flourishing
professional career as a leading tax consultant and legal adviser, with a
personal and social commitments which are multifarious.
Born in 1954 Mukesh Patel had shown traits of a leader
and a great orator since childhood/ In 1961 when his father Mr M.P.Patel was
transferred to Bhavnagar Mukesh was 7 years old. He gave his first speech on
“Should India make an atom bomb” in a competition. He stole the show and won
the first prize. He never looked back thereafter.
In 1974 Mukesh got actively involved in the historic Nav
Nirman Movement which had electrified Gujarat as he was one of the student
senators in the Gujarat university Senate which had for the first time given
recognition to students. This movement became the precursor for change in the
national political scenario.
A topper throughout Mukesh was always excited to make a
career in law. He topped his LL.B examinations of G.U.
Mukesh Patel has been a pioneer and protagonist in the
drive against corruption of echelons in State power which became a symbol of
youth power for a clean public life.
Global Tax Scholar
Having extensively travelled to over 75 countries across all the six continents, Mukesh has closely studied several major tax systems. He has served as the Standing Counsel of The Indo-Japanese Economic Co-operation Council, The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce and The International Forum of NRIs.
Having extensively travelled to over 75 countries across all the six continents, Mukesh has closely studied several major tax systems. He has served as the Standing Counsel of The Indo-Japanese Economic Co-operation Council, The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce and The International Forum of NRIs.
In 1985, the international year of youth, he
received the prestigious honor of being recognized as ‘One of the Five
Outstanding Young Professionals of the World.’ He has also been conferred with
the Honorary Life Membership of the International Tax Bar Association. In
appreciation of his long standing services to the NRI community, he was
felicitated with the ‘Friend of NRIs Award’ at the International NRI Convention
at Chicago in 1997.
Devoted Professor, Popular Columnist &
Author
Having devoted 28 years for teaching, he was actively associated as a Visiting Professor at the Gujarat Law Society and the reputed Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.
Having devoted 28 years for teaching, he was actively associated as a Visiting Professor at the Gujarat Law Society and the reputed Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad.
A popular weekly columnist in the leading
dailies ‘Sandesh’, ‘The Times of India’, ‘Gujarat Samachar’ and ‘The New Indian
Express’, Mukesh has written a record number of over 2,600 articles in Gujarati
and English during the past 32 years.
His widely acclaimed annual publication in
Gujarati, ‘Practical Tax Planning & Ready Reckoner,’ has been a best seller
ever since its release in 1979. ‘Smart Strategies for Tax Planning,’ ‘Practical
Tax & Investment Planning,’ ‘Axe your Tax and Relax’ and ‘Tax Planning via
Planning of Investments’ are among the popular English book titles authored by
him.
Eloquent Speaker, Articulate TV Anchor
An eloquent speaker, Mukesh has been awarded the ‘Hall of Fame Acclaim on the World Academy of Speakers’ and the ‘Outstanding Speaker of the 20th Century Award’ in recognition of his noteworthy achievements in the field of public speaking. He has also supported the setting up of ‘Mukesh M. Patel – AMA Academy for Public Speaking and Personality Development’ at the Ahmedabad Management Association.
An eloquent speaker, Mukesh has been awarded the ‘Hall of Fame Acclaim on the World Academy of Speakers’ and the ‘Outstanding Speaker of the 20th Century Award’ in recognition of his noteworthy achievements in the field of public speaking. He has also supported the setting up of ‘Mukesh M. Patel – AMA Academy for Public Speaking and Personality Development’ at the Ahmedabad Management Association.
He has addressed over 600 meetings on a wide
range of subjects before various forums in India and abroad. His in-depth
annual analysis of the Union Budget is keenly awaited and largely attended. He
has not missed a single important town or city of Gujarat during over three
decades of his Budget Yatra, which he has pursued with a missionary zeal. In
association with the Times of India, Ahmedabad, he initiated an innovative
media campaign of ‘Budget Ho To Aisa’ featuring the presentation of a model
budget mirroring people’s aspirations.
He conceived and anchored the first of its
kind TV Serial on tax payer education entitled ‘Tax Free’, which ran into 16
popular episodes on Doordarshan. His 16 innovative presentations in the serial
‘Money Magic’ on Zee Gujarati, focusing on Tax & Investment Planning, met
with equally overwhelming response of the viewers.
Visionary Leader, Institution Builder
As a professional leader, Mukesh has served as President of all the four leading tax bar associations in Gujarat, the All Gujarat Federation of Tax Consultants, Income Tax Bar Association, Income Tax Appellate Tribunal Bar Association and the Tax Advocates Association. He has championed several causes for taxpayers, not just through his articles and talks, but also by pioneering landmark PILs, notable among them being the writ petitions challenging the illogical provisions of FBT and the complexities under the new tax return. His latest series of write-ups and talks on ‘Cracking the Code’ analyzing the critical concerns of the proposed Direct Tax Code was very widely appreciated.
As a professional leader, Mukesh has served as President of all the four leading tax bar associations in Gujarat, the All Gujarat Federation of Tax Consultants, Income Tax Bar Association, Income Tax Appellate Tribunal Bar Association and the Tax Advocates Association. He has championed several causes for taxpayers, not just through his articles and talks, but also by pioneering landmark PILs, notable among them being the writ petitions challenging the illogical provisions of FBT and the complexities under the new tax return. His latest series of write-ups and talks on ‘Cracking the Code’ analyzing the critical concerns of the proposed Direct Tax Code was very widely appreciated.
During his student days, he learned valuable
lessons in leadership and public life, getting opportunity to spearhead the
historic Navnirman Movement of 1974 as one of its front-rank leaders. His
dynamic role as the think-tank and articulate spokesperson of the Movement came
to be internationally lauded at the ‘Round Table on Student Movements of the
World’ organized by the World Assembly of Youth at Geneva. An active Boy Scout
at school, he also received the President’s Scout Award & Medal.
Mukesh left his indelible mark as a vibrant
President of the Ahmedabad Management Association and the Gujarat Chamber of
Commerce and Industry energizing them with a dynamic vision and mission and
scaling them to new heights. He has also served as Vice President of the All
India Management Association and has been an active member on the National
Executives of apex Chambers ASSOCHAM and FICCI.
Dedicated Social Worker, Centurion Blood
Donor
An ardent crusader of the voluntary blood donation movement since his student days, Mukesh is a Centurion Blood Donor having himself donated blood for 123 times. In appreciation of his outstanding contribution and dedicated services for this humanitarian cause, he was presented the ‘British Red Cross Salutation – The Cup of Joy & Life.’ He has been actively serving as the President of the Indian Red Cross Society, Ahmedabad since 2001. He is keenly involved with the activities of Dehgam Taluka Education Society of which he is the Vice President.
An ardent crusader of the voluntary blood donation movement since his student days, Mukesh is a Centurion Blood Donor having himself donated blood for 123 times. In appreciation of his outstanding contribution and dedicated services for this humanitarian cause, he was presented the ‘British Red Cross Salutation – The Cup of Joy & Life.’ He has been actively serving as the President of the Indian Red Cross Society, Ahmedabad since 2001. He is keenly involved with the activities of Dehgam Taluka Education Society of which he is the Vice President.
Japanese Patron, Talented Photographer
Closely associated with Japan since his student days, he founded the Indo-Japan Friendship Association, Gujarat in 1975 and is currently its President. In appreciation of his meritorious services for promoting bilateral relations, he received the unique distinction of being presented the ‘Indo-Japanese Friendship Award and Imperial Medallion’ in the Japanese Parliament.
Closely associated with Japan since his student days, he founded the Indo-Japan Friendship Association, Gujarat in 1975 and is currently its President. In appreciation of his meritorious services for promoting bilateral relations, he received the unique distinction of being presented the ‘Indo-Japanese Friendship Award and Imperial Medallion’ in the Japanese Parliament.
Inspirational reading and creative
photography have been his spirited pursuits for years. The exhibition of his
photographs entitled ‘Around the World through a Lens Eye,’ received extensive
appreciation. His book ‘Inspirational Gems to Empower your Life’ and timeless
calendar ‘Enchanting Photo Classics with Inspirational A to Z Quotes’ have been
widely reviewed and acclaimed.
His all round contributions in diverse
spheres of public life have come to be featured in the biographic publication
‘Trail Blazers of Gujarat.’ In recognition of his dedicated contribution,
noteworthy achievements and meritorious services both in his profession and in
public life he was awarded the first ‘Outstanding Professional of Gujarat
Award’ by the All Gujarat Federation of Tax Consultants in January, 2010.
Achievements
He
enjoys the honour and distinction of having been conferred with several
International Awards and 9+Recognitions including ‘Outstanding Speaker of the
Twentieth Century’, ‘The Friend of NRIs Award’, ‘The Indo-Japanese Friendship
Award & Imperial Medallion’, ‘The British Red Cross Salutation – The Cup of
Joy & Life’, ‘Hall of Fame Acclaim on the World Academy of Speakers’,
‘Outstanding Young Professional of the World’ , ‘Honorary Fellowship of the
World Assembly of Youth’ and ‘Honorary Life Membership of the International Tax
Bar Association.’
In
recognition of his dedicated contribution, noteworthy achievements and
meritorious services both in his profession and in public life, he was awarded
the first ‘Outstanding Professional of Gujarat Award’ by the All Gujarat
Federation of Tax Consultants in January, 2010..
His studies and thought
provoking annual presentations on the Analysis of the Union Budget and other
subjects relating to Tax and Investment Planning for the past over 30 years,
which have crossed the 600 mark, are eagerly looked forward to. He
conceived and anchored the first of its kind TV Serial on Tax Payer Education
entitled ‘Tax Free’, which ran into 16 popular episodes on Doordarshan. His 16
innovative presentations in the serial ‘Money Magic’ on Zee Gujarati, focusing
on Tax & Investment Planning, met with equally overwhelming response of the
view.
He
is a Director on the Board of several leading public companies, prominent among
them being Zydus Cadila,Hitachi, Sandesh, etc. He has also served as the
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Ahmedabad Stock Exchange.
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