STORY OF MR. S K SHARMA, FOUNDER SLCI
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”
I started my career in 1982 as a fresher. I underwent formal training in Labour Laws Compliances with a then-emerging consultant with whom I started working as an employee and later became a partner and remained there till 1986.
I wanted to become a CA as the role and authority commanded by the profession fascinated me. My father introduced me to his friend's acquaintance to realise my dream on the subject.
After working hard there for 15 days, I asked my senior to part me with some training on the Balance Sheet and P& L Accounts. He was confused and immediately reacted with surprise and replied, "what ?? Balance Sheet and P& L Accounts are a part of Accounts." I asked, "what is this then?" He replied that we are Labour Laws Compliances firm, which I could not understand at all. I was shocked to know that for the last 15 days, I had been working in a firm not associated with accounts.
I told my senior that I would not come from tomorrow onwards. He was taken aback. He asked me about some arrear work- Annual Return of 3A and 6A, which I was preparing . I could notice his concern, so I replied that "uncle mai aap ko beech me nahi chhodunga [I will not leave you in the lurch] He replied that he would appoint a person within week, till that time I should continue as his work should not suffer. I assured him that I would continue for a week, till a new person is appointed.
After a week, the Return assignment was also completed , I again told him that I would not come from tomorrow, as promised I worked for another week. He asked me that "Tum Beech me Chhodoge ...abhi to koi nahi aaya." [ I haven't found your replacement, will you leave at this crucial point?] Then again, I replied, "uncle ...me beech mai nahi chhodunga.[ I will not leave you in the lurch]. Again he asked me to wait for another week.
After another week, I asked him that another week has passed, can I leave to pursue my career in CA. Now, he presented to be a little disturbed by saying that "Eska Matlab hai tum beech mai..." [ Does that mean you will leave...] I immediately replied "uncle ....mai aapko beach mai nahi chhodunga, aap koi admi jaldi rakh lijiye."[ I will not leave you in the lurch, please find my replacement ASAP]
The next day he called me and started a conversation in the light mood and asked me why I wanted to leave. I told him that I want to leave to pursue my Career as CA. And for that, I have to learn Accounts. He asked me if he would arrange my Accounts learning in this setup, will that make me stay?
I asked, "how would that be possible?" He offered me a deal that he will arrange for some Accounts practical coaching in one of the client's office itself where I was going almost every day to complete arrears work after daily work. Somehow I was convinced with the idea and started learning Accounts for some time.
Later, I don't know how I developed an interest in Labour Laws Compliances. The firm was growing as new clients were added daily, with our sincere execution. I become a Partner in that firm. Due to some reason, I left the firm and started my firm in the year 1986.
The first Client was Garment Exporter of Okhla Industrial Area. The client was facing a severe labour problem. There was a daily demonstration in front of the factory gate for months together. It was quite cumbersome for me to handle all the problems. At a point, I felt that I might have to quit, but the blessing of Lord Krishna, the client had his confidence in me, which was the driving force for me to resolve the problem. It was one of the biggest problems I have ever faced in my whole career. It allowed me to develop my skills. As we know, adversities are one of our biggest teachers in life. I emerged as a Confident Consultant. After that, there was no looking back as I gained the trust of a lot of new clients and emerged as the best consultant in the Area.
In a nutshell, it is clear that with the persistent hard work, sincerity & commitment shall make you deliver and which wins the confidence of the client.