I am the only child of Alamelu (Judy) and Nagarajan.

My mother has been a teacher for 30 years and now is associated with an NGO-school. What’s more, she is one of the best teachers I have known. I always wonder where she gets the energy to go on and on! My father also keeps working, though he is now in his 70s. I guess I have similar work ethics in my genes!

From kindergarten to Grade 12, I studied in Rosary Matriculation Higher Secondary School, Chennai. I was a consistent topper in school, and I continued the streak into college and then chartered accountancy.

My school and college life were complete with many prizes, participation, and achievements.

The credit for a carefree childhood goes to my parents. They took care of everything, and my mother monitored my studies closely. There were enough motivations to do better and achieve the best in academics and in other school activities. Home was a safe and secured haven.

In class 11, my parents allowed me to cycle to school. Unknown to me, my father (and sometimes my grandfather) would follow me, for many days, in his car, at a safe distance, to ensure I reached school safely. Later I graduated into a TVS Champ and eventually into a car, and the tailing continued!

My parents are excellent supports for me. We currently stay together, and our level of inter-dependability is high.

My significant school achievements include scoring centum in mathematics often and winning the Best Outgoing Student Award in Class 10. I topped the school in class 12 in the Commerce group and secured the 31st rank in Tamil Nadu state.

I graduated from Stella Maris College, Chennai. I passed my CA Intermediate in my first attempt. In May 1997, I passed CA Final, securing the all-India 19th rank. I won the Shri P Gopalakrishna Rao endowment award for securing the first position among the women candidates in South India.

Briefly, during my college days, I fancied joining the military. I wanted to do something meaningful for my country and also have the experience of living outside my comfort zone. However, my mother wouldn’t encourage those aspirations, and I had to eventually give in. The dream of donning the olive robes came and went like the winters in Chennai!