Humble Beginnings, Grounded Aspirations

 When I look back on the early days of my life, I find no stories of grandeur, nor any tales of deprivation. Our financial position growing up was what I’d call “comfortably modest.” We didn’t have excess, but we certainly weren’t wanting. It was a life of balance—a life where every rupee mattered, but we never had to stretch beyond our dignity. We had just enough to live well, to learn deeply, and to dream freely.

There was no extravagance in our household, no careless spending or frivolous indulgence.

But there was one thing in abundance—value. I was raised in an environment where the value

of money was taught silently—through action, restraint, and perspective. That ethos shaped my

financial sensibility early on. Even today, despite all that I may have achieved professionally, I find myself automatically drawn to prudent decisions.

I have never been a spendthrift, and never will be. This upbringing shaped my worldview. It

made me see success not as material accumulation, but as a sense of integrity, balance, and contribution. Yes, my parents ensured I never missed out on anything important—they provided every necessity without hesitation. I still recall flying to Agra for a school trip when I was just 7 or 8 years old—a rare luxury in those times. That one gesture by my parents wasn’t just about travel—it was a lesson in trust, love, and belief in giving your child a sense of the world.

The house I grew up in wasn’t filled with luxury, but it was filled with wisdom. There was

an understanding in our home—that education, values, and self-respect were the true forms of

wealth.

Unlike many children who explore different aspirations—doctor today, pilot tomorrow—I

always knew what I wanted to be. From a very young age, the idea of becoming a Chartered

Accountant was firmly planted in my mind. There was no confusion, no back and forth, no Plan B. It was a calling, not just a career. I qualified at the age of 23½, and in hindsight, that clarity was a blessing.

My inspiration came from very close to home. My father, Late Shri S.P. Kapoor, and my uncle,

Late Shri D.P. Kapoor, were both Chartered Accountants—men of immense capability, wisdom, and grace. Watching them work, watching how people respected them, and how they carried the burden of responsibility with such dignity—it  moved me. These were not just professionals, they were pillars of society, and I wanted to walk in those footsteps.