Three Finance Minds and a Curious Doctor

From Varalakshmi Pooja to Pvt Ltd Punditry

It was a special Friday on the calendar - Varalakshmi Pooja, a day of devotion and prosperity. This year, it also happened to be Raksha Bandhan. Aditya, a Chartered Accountant, and his wife, Dr. Rashmi, decided it was the perfect day to visit Kannan mama’s home.

Kannan mama, a CA, lived with his wife, Geetha mami, who was known for her meticulous pooja arrangements and irresistible snacks. Their children, Priya and Rohan - Aditya’s cousins - were also home for the occasion.

The front door opened to the aroma of sandalwood and fresh flowers. Geetha mami, draped in a rich silk saree, greeted them warmly. “Come in, come in! You’re just in time. The aarti is about to begin.”

The living room was a burst of colour - rangoli at the entrance, brass lamps lit, garlands strung across the altar. Varalakshmi’s idol shone, adorned with jasmine and marigold. Rashmi, still shaking off the stress of her hospital shifts, felt instantly at ease.

Geetha mami offered prayers with quiet focus, while Malli mama, Kannan’s younger brother and a lively Certified Financial Planner, chimed in with the responses. The air was filled with devotion, but also a warm undercurrent of family celebration.

Once the prayers ended, it was time for Raksha Bandhan. Priya approached Aditya with a tray. She tied the rakhi and fed him a sweet.

Geetha mami brought out the snack spread – medu vadas, modaks, and steaming cups of filter coffee. That’s when the festive chatter began morphing into the inevitable - finance talk.

Kannan mama leaned back. “Adi, I’ve got a client running a successful proprietorship. He’s thinking about converting into a private limited company.”

Malli mama grinned. “Ah, the moment every growing entrepreneur faces. To Pvt Ltd or not to Pvt Ltd - that’s the question.”

Rashmi, amused, joined in. “Why would anyone bother? Isn’t it more complicated?”

Three finance professionals turned toward her, as if a buzzer had gone off. Aditya chuckled. “You’ve set off the masterclass alarm.”

Kannan began. “A proprietorship is tied to one person. Simple to run, fewer compliances - but no separation between you and the business. If the business sinks, your personal assets can be dragged in.”

Malli added, “A private limited company is a separate legal entity. It has its own life - limited liability protects personal wealth, and credibility shoots up in the eyes of banks and clients.”

Aditya looked at Rashmi. “Think of it like moving from a small rented clinic to building your own hospital. More paperwork, sure - but far greater scope for growth.”

Rashmi nodded, munching on a modak. “So it’s not just about tax saving?”

“Not at all,” Malli said. “Yes, taxes can be planned better - salary, dividends, retained profits. But the bigger wins are scalability, attracting investors, and smooth succession planning. You can transfer ownership without the business collapsing.”

Kannan sipped his coffee. “Of course, you have to be ready for the extra work - ROC filings, board meetings, statutory registers. It’s a trade-off. But for many, it’s the bridge to the next level.”

By the time the last vada & modak was gone, Rashmi felt she’d attended a TED Talk in traditional attire. Between the pooja, the rakhi, and the finance banter, it had been an unexpectedly enlightening evening.

As they got ready to leave, Rashmi laughed. “I came for blessings and snacks, but got a crash course in corporate law. Next year, I’m bringing a notebook.”

Malli winked. “And maybe we’ll start charging entry fees.”

Kannan added, “Fine - but Geetha will still make the snacks free of cost. Some traditions are too good to change.”

And so, under the glow of the pooja lamps, the festival had woven together family, tradition, and just the right dose of financial wisdom.

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