GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 10th July: Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar urged Indian industry to go beyond its economic role and become a force for inclusion, sustainability, and cultural resurgence. Speaking at the 19th CII-ITC Sustainability Awards held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, Dhankhar emphasized the need to promote gender and caste diversity, support MSMEs, and channel corporate energies toward building a more equitable society.
He asserted that the private sector must act as a co-architect of India’s future, not merely as a profit-seeking entity. “We are not mercenaries. We unleash our energies for the benefit of society,” he said, underlining that true development must ensure equal opportunity for all citizens.
Dhankhar highlighted India’s pivotal role in the global 2030 sustainable development agenda and stressed that sustainability should not be treated as a compliance issue but as a competitive advantage. He urged industry to invest in renewable energy, green hydrogen, circular economy models, and carbon markets.
Calling India a civilizational continuum, he critiqued historical neglect of indigenous knowledge systems and called for revival through digitization of classical texts and embracing both textual and lived experiences. “Let us build ‘Brand India’ on four pillars — quality, trust, innovation, and ancient wisdom reimagined for modern relevance,” he said.
The Vice-President pointed to the commercialization of health and education, warning that these vital sectors should serve society, not merely business interests. He urged corporates to use CSR funds to create world-class institutions in underdeveloped areas.
Reinforcing the government’s enabling role, Dhankhar said, “The private sector drives innovation, creates livelihoods, and builds national architecture. Government alone cannot deliver goals without industry’s active support.”
He also called on corporate India to focus on research and development, stressing that research must result in tangible change on the ground. On India’s youth, he said the demographic dividend must be harnessed with urgency and vision through skill development and closer ties between industry, academia, and government.
Dhankhar concluded by stating that India is becoming a trusted global economy, even as the world faces uncertainty. He urged the industry to act as a torchbearer of India’s values, innovation, and inclusive growth.
