By Mewati Sitaram
The 166th Foundation Day of the Income Tax Department was commemorated with great pride and reverence at Kautilya Bhavan, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai, in the esteemed presence of Maharashtra Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan. As part of the celebrations, the Governor unveiled a statue of Kautilya (Chanakya), the ancient Indian philosopher and economist whose teachings continue to inspire India’s economic and administrative systems.
The event witnessed a distinguished gathering of senior dignitaries, including Vice President of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal Shaktijit Dey and Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax Malathy Sridharan. Senior representatives of top tax-paying companies, along with serving and retired officials of the Income Tax Department, were also in attendance.
In his keynote address, Governor Radhakrishnan commended the department’s relentless commitment to building a robust and transparent tax ecosystem. He emphasized the critical role the Income Tax Department plays in nation-building and praised its initiatives aimed at fostering voluntary compliance and taxpayer services.
During the ceremony, the Governor felicitated some of the country’s highest tax-paying entities — including State Bank of India, Tata Sons Pvt. Ltd., HDFC Bank, and Indian Oil Corporation — recognizing their significant contribution to the nation’s economy. Retired Income Tax officials and distinguished sportspersons were also honored with certificates of appreciation for their service and excellence.
The celebration highlighted the department’s legacy of dedication, discipline, and innovation over more than a century and a half. It also served as a platform to reflect on reforms, technological advancements, and the future direction of tax administration in India. The event concluded with a renewed call for collaborative efforts between citizens, institutions, and the government to strengthen the country’s fiscal foundations.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
