Addressing reporters here on Sunday, branch chairman P G Patel said, ``The branch has emerged as one of the most active branches owing to the regular activities aimed at the professional development of its members and students.''

Patel said thought the centre had a humble beginning, it today boosted of 600 members and 1,000 students. He added that as a part of their golden jubilee celebrations, the branch intended to introduce more professional training in the field for the students fraternity.

He said the branch was already known for its modular training programme that it conducted for the students. ``We intend to hold more public lectures and career counselling discussions for the students,'' added Patel.

Patel admitted that the profession was loosing its charm and that was one of the reasons why it was taking up an image-building exercise. ``Though chartered accountants are working as hard as any other professionals, they are yet to receive due recognition,'' he pointed out.

He observed that companies, which recruited management trainees were also absorbing CA's, but the latter did not get similar recognition as that of the management trainees.