FROM LEDGERS TO LEADERSHIP: THE RISE OF LAKSHMAN KUMAR GURRAM
- Ajuli Tulsyan
- Aug 14
- 3 min read
With integrity as his compass and excellence as his constant pursuit,
Lakshman Kumar Gurram has charted a career that transcends numbers
It was during his undergraduate years at Sri Sathya Sai University that a young Lakshman Kumar Gurram found himself standing at a crossroads. Completing his B. Com (Hons) in 2012, he was fascinated by the world of finance, yet uncertain about the exact path to take. Then came the influence of a mentor, Ruchir Desai—a figure whose passion for accounting and real-world financial insights would change the course of Lakshman’s life.
"Mr Desai’s approach wasn’t just about teaching the subject; it was about showing its power to create meaningful impact," Lakshman recalls. "That’s when I knew Chartered Accountancy was my calling."
The decision was just the first step. The road ahead would demand discipline, sacrifice, and resilience. Balancing an intensive article-ship with the unrelenting demands of academic preparation proved to be one of his toughest challenges. His internship often took him travelling across Tamil Nadu, far from the comforts of a classroom and structured learning schedules.
"I had to make peace with the fact that my learning wouldn’t be conventional," he says with a reflective smile. "Every spare moment became an opportunity—on buses, between client meetings, late at night. I learnt to study anywhere and everywhere."
That unwavering discipline bore fruit in 2016, when Lakshman proudly qualified as a Chartered Accountant. Among his formative experiences, one stands out—the completion of his article-ship with Grant Thornton’s Risk Advisory division.
"That was where theory met reality," he explains. "I was dealing with risk management, internal controls, and strategic business consulting for clients across industries. It honed my problem-solving instincts and taught me how to create value that goes beyond compliance."
For Lakshman, the profession has always been rooted in core principles—integrity, discipline, and a relentless drive for excellence. These values, he believes, are the quiet yet unshakable pillars of a CA’s credibility. "Ethics aren’t optional," he says firmly. "In the long run, they define your reputation far more than your technical skills."
Lakshman Kumar brings a wealth of professional experience, having worked with leading organisations including Deloitte, BDO, Grant Thornton, and Tata Trusts.
In today’s fast-evolving financial landscape, Lakshman sees the role of Chartered Accountants as dramatically different from the past. No longer confined to audits and tax returns, they are now strategic partners in business growth. "We’re not just accountants—we’re enablers of sustainable growth and innovation," he notes. "Our role is to offer real-time insights, guide decision-making, and navigate complexities that businesses face daily."
When it comes to client relationships, Lakshman believes in looking beyond the immediate problem. "If I fix one issue but don’t help prevent its recurrence, I haven’t done my job," he says. This commitment to long-term value and trust has helped him build relationships that endure, particularly in sectors he finds intellectually stimulating—Manufacturing, Technology, Real Estate, and Healthcare.
His advice to aspiring CAs is as forward-thinking as it is practical: "Don’t stop at identifying problems—create solutions that drive real change. In an AI-driven world, your ability to think critically, adapt quickly, and communicate insights effectively will set you apart."
From a young student inspired by a mentor to a respected Chartered Accountant shaping strategies for diverse industries, Lakshman’s story is one of focus, resilience, and the power of values. His journey proves that in the world of finance, it is not just about balancing the books—it is about balancing ambition with ethics, and skill with vision.
