This story is from April 26, 2016

Chaiwala-turned-CA to inspire students

Nearly two-and-a-half months after announcing that tea seller Somnath Giram would be the brand ambassador for the state government's earn and learn scheme, a notification finally made it official.
Chaiwala-turned-CA to inspire students
Pune: Nearly two-and-a-half months after announcing that tea seller Somnath Giram would be the brand ambassador for the state government's earn and learn scheme, a notification finally made it official.
Giram, who cleared chartered accountancy (CA) while running a tea stall in Sadashiv Peth, will tour all universities in the state, share his experience and inspire students to complete education to fulfill their dreams.
However, Giram's mentor and friends felt that the state government should have offered him some remuneration since he would lose out on his practice while on tour.
Giram hails from a small village in Karmala taluka, Solapur district. He came to Pune in 2006 to complete his education. While studying, he worked at various food stalls and later started his own tea stall. He cleared the CA exams in January this year.
Giram said, "I am happy that I would be interacting with so many students across Maharashtra. I will share my experiences right from the time I came to Pune from Solapur to attempt the CA exam and finally cracked it. I hope that it inspires many students and encourages them to chase their dream." The responsibility of organising the talk by Giram has been given to the respective college or university, said the notification.
After managing the teashop for nearly 12 hours, he would study for another five to seven hours, often late into the night. His effort and dedication finally paid off and he cleared the exams with 55% marks.
Giram is yet to find any clients except for the D S Kulkarni group that had offered him a job to audit their books after he cleared the exam.
At present, he has been offered a small office in Sahakarnagar by his benefactor Ram Jagdale. Jagdale said, "His financial condition is weak. He has appointed a boy at his tea stall so he can start practicing CA. In such a situation, if he has to tour the state and deliver talks on a regular basis, his work would be affected. He is not employed with anyone so as to get a monthly salary. In such a situation, the state government must pay remuneration for appointing him as brand ambassador."
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