- Are you thinking of quitting after facing several failures?
- Hi, I am Dinesh Rathi. On January 16, 2008, I became a Chartered Accountant at the age of 48.
- My CA journey started in 1978 and it took me 30 long years to finally have the honorable title of CA before my name.
- Here my story of determination, resoluteness, and an undying spirit to carve out a niche for self.
- Why am I telling this story? Because even if one individual gets inspired by my journey, it would be worth it.
Table of Contents
Tracing Back Roots – How I Began My Career In CA?
I was born and brought up in a small town, Bhusawal in Maharashtra (India) in a lower-middle-class family with very limited resources.
I was a good student at school and always dreamt of becoming a doctor however because of the high tuition fees pursuing medicine was ruled out!
Observing my interest in studies, my father advised me to prepare for Chartered Accountancy exams because of the prestige this course held and also the career opportunities one has after qualifying.
Back then (1978), becoming a Chartered Accountant was considered a great feat as only a few people managed to clear the exams. I loved challenges and so decided to go for it.
Also, CA was well known for being one of the most economical qualifications in India where one could work while studying. Just perfect for me!
And here started my CA journey in 1978.
I kept going forward with little support
Since I came from a lower-middle-class family, I had a lot of financial responsibilities. I did not have the luxury to focus 100% on ‘just’ studying!
So along with my articles and CA preparation, I helped my dad in his small business and on certain days even gave tuitions to earn some extra income!
For a few years this was my routine – Wake up at 4 am, prepare for my lectures, then attend articles, give tuitions and later study for CA!
All of this left me very exhausted with little time to study and obviously I kept failing my CA Exams.
A few years later I completed my CA articles but was still not able to clear my CA Final exams!
Forging my own path: Working full time and still pursuing CA
Fast forward, I got married and as my family grew (we have 3 children) my responsibilities increased and the study time for CA reduced!
Initially teaching was the only source of income, but later, I realised I had to hustle a lot more to make ends meet!
That’s when I decided to start a few businesses on the side to earn some extra income…so I started washing milk bags and selling them, trading shirt pieces, and spices etc.
Eventually, I learnt the craft of furniture making and started this business (of course while still teaching!). Luckily this took off and life got better financially!
So now my day started with giving lectures on Accountancy, managing my business, and then taking care of my family.
Did I give up on my CA dream in the midst of all this? NO.
Even after a hectic workday, I would study and prepare for my CA exams every night! My parents, my wife- Shubhangi and children supported me in every way they could.
There were days when I would be sitting in the same exam hall as my students but nothing demotivated me.
I knew CA was a challenge I had taken and strived hard to give in all the efforts I could. Nothing else bothered ever.
Finally qualifying as a CA after 30 long years!
Almost 20 years into my CA journey, in 1998, I met with an accident; and unfortunately, had badly damaged a finger on my right hand! (Even today it still doesn’t bend.)
Everything came to a standstill and my dream of becoming a Chartered Accountant seemed impossible!
It was then that my wife encouraged me to use my left hand to write. It was not easy at all but somehow, with every passing day; my conviction grew stronger and I continued with my CA preparation.
After almost 6 years, I was able to use my right hand again!
In the meanwhile, I kept appearing for the exams and would fail by a few short marks! In fact, by now I had even given up on checking the exam results!
Finally, on the 16th of January 2008 (the golden day of my life), my phone was ringing.
My youngest daughter Neha (she was 14 at that time) answered the call. On the other side, was a relative (Mrs. Darak) whose son had appeared for the exam along with me.
Here is the conservation:
Mrs. Darak: Hello Neha, is anybody elder at home?
Neha: Yes, Dad is there.
Mrs. Darak: Anyone other than him?
Neha: No, it’s only both of us at home.
Mrs. Darak: Ok. no problem. Tc!
Now the relative called up my uncle who lives in the next building.
Mrs. Darak: Congratulations! Dinesh is a CA now.
Uncle: What ??? Repeat please.
(He was waiting for this day for 30 years!)
Relative: Yes! It’s CA Dinesh Rathi. Please go and tell him in person.
My uncle immediately rushed home, asked me to sit down and gave me a glass of water. (They were concerned that I should not get an emotional shock!)
Uncle softly said, “Beta Dinesh, tu CA ban gayo !” (Dear Dinesh, you have become a CA!)
As always, I had expected to fail. So when he told me I passed the exams, I couldn’t believe myself. I hugged my daughter and started crying.
Everyone from my wife to my children to my neighbours and even my students were so overjoyed…after all, it was a 30-year long journey!
Also Read
In Conclusion…
Life may look perfect today but I had my own share of challenges. My NEVER GIVE UP attitude helped me through it all.
No matter what the circumstances, I was not ready to give up.
It was not easy pursuing CA for so long. But this strong desire of becoming a Chartered Accountant helped me overcome all challenges.
Giving up was a very easy option but I wanted to pursue my desire. I wasn’t looking for instant gratification. And I am so glad my perseverance paid off.
My journey of becoming a CA came with surprises of its own, but today I can proudly say that it is because of this course that I became the man I am today!
My advice to young professionals is – Life is all about the journey and not just the destination.
Dinesh Rathi has completed 40 years of his teaching career! And now is an elected Municipal Corporator and also an author of more than 8 academic books. He is more than happy to guide professionals and CA aspirants with his experiences. You can write to him at cadinesh.rathi25@gmail.com.
Now It’s Your Turn…
Are you happy with what you are doing in life? Do you have a dream which you are about to give up?
Are you motivated by reading my story?
Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to share it with your friends who need that push in life.
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Your story is truly an inspirational
Your story Denish is motivating. Those of us who have gone the equivalent exams we know what you are saying. I am CPA temu Paul(Kenya)
Thank you !
Wow so inspiring
Nice sir ji you are a great. Such a inspirational story….
Thank you
For those who think 30 years is way too long, learning, earning and living a married life is next to impossible. And our Sir has done it with his commitment. And we are proud to be a member of his journey.
Thank you CA Rohit. Good to see you growing !
Great sir ji
Thank you
Sir full of emotion….we love u….!!!
Thank you
Nice to read such an inspirational story.
Thank you
Really great achievement. The present generation must learn to be strong and strive towards success with discipline and determination taking care of health
Really like Vikramaditya you have achieved. Great. Congratulations. Hope your children also doing CA.
Yes, it’s very important to sustain in long term rather than embracing short term gratification.
I am studying CA final now. But one sentence mentioned (I. e. Not to giveup) definitely create history in one day..
So thankful to share u r journey.
Definately it will helpful for me a lot..
Thank you. All the best !
Loved your passion and urge for the two coveted letters. Well done Sir.
Thank you
Salute to your commitment
Thank you
Really amazing and motivational story
Thank you
Very inspirational story for who are going pursue CA course. Never give up attitude will help always
Thank you
Great Sir, hats off to your burning desire to become qualified. Its really isnpiring.
Thank you
Really sir it is an inspiration for us….thanks for sharing your experience….this will motivate other students too…
Thank you
I am satish from Bangalore, it is almost my case is similar I am Bcom,LLB,MBA(FIN) AND I started for icwa I finished with great family problems now i am working as Fin,Consultant with my iend office, now he is forcing me to take up CA now i am 62 but still working,now i am thinking of CA because I have 36 years experiance in accounts.
Really like Vikramaditya you have achieved. Great. Congratulations. Hope your children also doing CA.
You prove that age is just a number. Thank you for your kind words. Best wishes!
Great!! Congratulations to you as well as your whole family, for constant active/ mute support throughout your journey. All the best !!
Thank you so much
CA Rathiji, 100 times congratulations to you. I know, how challenging it was. 5 or more times new syllabus at least. I can feel your feeling as I qualified after 12 years. Thank you for your support to the long term CA pursuers.
Congratulations to you too ! Thank you.
Hats off to your dedication and perseverance. You are a true source of inspiration for the budding Chartered Accountants.
Thank you so much
Yes definitely! Ur story is inspirational…
I had given up mine..
Hoping some day I’ll start up again..so that I can become a CA one day
Sirji it’s and inspiring and motivating story
No words for your journey sir ; after reading your story i am wondering and confident i will never give up formy dream goals.
Thank you
I’m motivated.. your a true inspiration. I’m a girl of age 26 years. Failed several times in ca final. Parents pressure to get married. Friends who are with me all became CA now. Depression.. frustration.. no job.. being at home. Studying hard still not getting through. Verge of leaving.. but your story inspired me. Nothing is impossible if we have the goal to achieve it with patience. Thank you sir for your inspiration.
Your patience and consistent efforts will take you to the destination for sure. Thank you so much & All the best for your future.
Thnxxx alot for sharing Ur journey, today I m very upset n not found way, but after reading your story I m confident that if u can do this, I can tried to do so.
Congratulations ??
I would love to talk you, pls call me at 8527560076.
You will do it for sure. All the best !
Fabulous
The True live example of giving up is not a solution, hard work always gives a direction?
You’re an inspiration sir ji ❤️
:- one of your ex student?
Thank you Yash
Amazing and motivational story sir. It’s really
inspiring. Thank you… we love you
You’re very kind. Thank you !
Yes CA Dinesh ji your journey to become CA was inspirable and give bounce back to people who left their Journey in the halfway.
Gr8 Sir… I m also CA & my journey was also full of struggle & hardship.
But ur story makes me motivate even more… Which I can’t describe in words…
Hats-off to Ur Determination…?♂️?♂️?♂️
Really Inspiring ???
Thank you
Speechless….
Wow…. Great Sir
Hello Mr.Dinesh , heartly congratulations
Even I passed my CA too late after 7 attempts at the age of 33 after tremendous financial crisis.
Even today after 17 years of passing , LIC housing finance doesn’t give me a loan as I was their big defaulter in mon payment of Few EMIs during my struggling days.
All my relatives and friends started . teasing me and turned their face away from me and list faith in my ability except my superpower wife , she always kept motivating me.
Finally I passed in 2003. I strongly believes that nobody can defeat you except yourself.
Very well put, only you can defeat yourself. Congratulations on your achievements.
Mr CA Dinesh you story came it at the right time for me. You gave me that hope and renewed my inspiration. Congratulations to you and that you for being the hope when we needed one.
Thank you, Best wishes to you !
I really salute your long journey to achieve target.
It’s so inspiring me about your story sir , you people keeps reminding us about becoming
Professionals in future
Hi Sri Dinesh jee, very nice to know you cleared a tough exam and achieved your determination. Any professional suggestion or help required for consultation on matters relating to Direct taxes or international taxation, you are always welcome to reach me on 8779163903 or email at <a rel="nofollow"href="mailto:nageswarad@gmail.com">nageswarad@gmail.com</a>. I am retired Deputy commissioner of income tax located in Nerul West. Navi Mumbai.
Regards. Nageswara Dutt
Thank you sir.
Such a wonderful journey with an attitude of Never Giving Up.
Sir it’s really motivating… Nd I’ll do the same .. not to give up. Still i have more than 1yr in my hand to prepare for the entrance of CA exams.. sir really hats off to you??
Good job & strong determination. All the BEST
Wow… Such an inspiring story..
You are great dear sir
You are great sir!
Thank you
Sir …..???? you are very great…I want to became CA because of you…You always encourage me….Thank you very much Sir…You are the best teacher in my life.??I am very glad because You are my teacher .
Thank you Sakshi, you’ll make it big for sure.
Great Inspiration.
Great story.
Great motivation !
Almost Impossible is made possible by yourself !
Great Sir. You are great.
Thank you
Incredible story and congratulations, you have motivated to consider going back to my other academic goals.
I’m happy to contribute a little. Thank you & best wishes to you!
Great Success Sirji… Thanks for sharing your life journey. It is very motivational story..
Thank you!
Wow,,, G8,,,, Salute to you sir. Really inspirational & also emotional story
Thank you !
Really its inspirational story of Dineshji Rathi, Bhusaval to complete his course of CA after 30 years. I have seen many person who gave up the course in between or after unsuccessful some attempts. My partner also tried for 42 years but he didn’t crack last group of final. I thought no one else was there but this is story of successful CA. I congratulate him with his family for his success.
Thank you so much !
Never give up
Great. Very similar to my life.
Yes, early life is very much the same. I’m fortunate and by God’s gift, I persisted with CA and cleared it after 17 years.
But Sir, you took 30 years to complete. Hats off.
Great role model to all CA aspirants.
Congratulations to you as well ! Thank you
Superb Sir. In life there are no ends only bends. Congratulations. Very inspiring
Well said ! Thank you
Feeling so proud sir to be your student…… ???
Thank you
Read and liked it very much, hats off to your hard dedication and unending spirit to chase your career dreams.
Thank you so much
Inspiration is you Sir ? best accounts teacher ever..✨✨
Thank you Ekta
What an incredible journey you went through sir. This story is truly remarkable and inspiring and congratulations to you. You have definitely taught me that i should never give up and keep striving towards my goal. I congratulate you once again ?.
Thank you so much
It is 8 years now in Company secretary course with lot of problems. I started pursuing LLB instead and was thinking of leaving cs course it was my fathers dream but now I will make sure I will complete it before I die thank you do much sir for your guidance.
I’m so happy to read this. All the best, your commitment will definitely take you long way.
Really inspiring and motivating sir.. Got tears also while reading sir..
Thank you!
Sir, your CAstory is truly inspiring and motivating.
I will be appearing for my CA final exam after a gap of 8 years, had to take a break from the course mid-way due to personal family and other commitments.
Your story inspires me furthermore to complete this course.
Thank you for sharing your story and wish you success and good health.
Your really great sir, your story is really desirable and inspirational it really insprire me sir thank you for sharing your Chartered Accountant journey.
You are great sir.
I’m really inspired by your journey for CA.
I will try my best for my own journey.
Thanks for sharing your story.
firstly I should thank ”THE CA STORY” who brought this useful story before CA students/Aspirants who are struggling day and night to achieve their dreams. keep motivating…
I congratulate Mr. CA Dinesh Rathi sir on your success. Your CA journey has inspired me personally.
Sooper sir, its very motivating.