Mumbai, Nov 04: Indian business community should take up issues of social responsibility along with "enterprise development" for youth, British Crown Prince Charles said today. "It was important for business groups to take up social responsibilities such as education and providing clean water, however, enabling sustainable livelihood for everybody is one of the pressing challenges before the country," he said at a business reception here.
The contribution from corporates should be positive, he said, adding, there was a long tradition of business houses engaged in philanthropy in India.
The heir to the British throne also cautioned the corporates that mutual trust and respect should not be taken for granted.
The development of rural parts would also lessen the burden on urban areas, he said.
Referring to Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust (BYST), which was initiated during his visit to India 11 years ago, Prince Charles said this was an important partnership (with Prince Charles Trust) and a good example of corporate citizenship.
Rahul Bajaj, chairman of Bajaj Auto and who is associated with BYST, said the trust was set up for development of underprivileged youth.
Prince Charles, who praised the country's quality of human capital, said, "India has a true sense of sacredness and I hope modernisation and economic growth is not achieved on the sacrifice of this property." Bureau Report