THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 21, 2026
Calling for a new model of responsible capitalism, Vice-President C. P.
Radhakrishnan on Saturday urged India Inc. to harmonise financial growth with
social responsibility, asserting that profit and purpose must advance together
to drive inclusive national development.
Addressing the National CSR Summit 2026 organised by the Times of India
Group at Bharat Mandapam, the Vice-President commended the organisers for
convening a platform that brought together leadership, ideas and a call for action.
He observed that when institutions collaborate, society and the nation move
forward collectively, adding that such partnerships are vital at this
transformative juncture in India’s journey.
Highlighting India’s economic rise under the leadership of Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, he noted that the country has progressed from the 10th largest
economy to the fourth largest globally and is on course to become the third.
Structural reforms, digital connectivity, financial inclusion and
infrastructure expansion, he said, have lifted more than 25 crore citizens out
of extreme poverty while raising aspirations across regions.
The Vice-President emphasised that the next phase of growth requires
deeper alignment among government, industry and civil society, describing
Corporate Social Responsibility as the meeting point of enterprise and empathy.
CSR, he said, is no longer peripheral but central to national progress, where
balance sheets intersect with human development and growth acquires purpose.
Linking CSR to the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat @
2047, he underscored the need for broad-based development, inclusive prosperity
and non-negotiable sustainability. He pointed to CSR’s potential in
strengthening public education, expanding primary healthcare in remote areas,
promoting industry-linked skilling, supporting women-led enterprises and
accelerating the green transition through renewable energy and climate
resilience.
Stressing that CSR goes beyond legal compliance, he said it reflects a
commitment to the nation, noting that honest taxpayers are among the most
patriotic citizens. Corporate investments in communities, sustainability, youth
and innovation, he added, build social capital and ensure long-term growth.
India, he observed, is moving from being a technology adaptor to an innovator
and should aim to create solutions for global adoption.
Referring to reforms such as ease of doing business, digital governance
and GST, he said these measures have strengthened trust and transparency.
However, he cautioned that policy alone cannot transform a nation;
transformation occurs when government, industry and civil society move in
alignment — the core spirit of the summit.
On responsible capitalism, the Vice-President reiterated that legitimate profit earned with societal commitment is essential and that innovation and inclusion, as well as growth and sustainability, must reinforce each other. He expressed confidence that the summit would generate fresh commitments and replicable CSR models across states and sectors, urging corporate leaders to think boldly, invest strategically, measure impact rigorously and treat CSR as nation-building capital rather than expenditure.
He also called upon media organisations to devote greater space to development narratives, noting that in a vibrant democracy people must remain at the centre and their faith strengthened through positive stories of progress. Underscoring the importance of electoral participation and accountability, he reiterated that the concept of One Nation, One Election could enable stronger decision-making and a sharper long-term policy focus.
