The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented the CII-ITC Sustainability Awards 2012 today (January 14, 2013) at a function at Vigyan Bhavan.

Speaking on the occasion the President congratulated the award winners and advised Indian industry to think, create, and deliver while taking care of our future generations. He said what is necessary for our Industry is a belief that the compulsion of creating value for a business cannot be separated from our concern for society and environment. He appealed to the Indian Industry to be part of the sustainability movement and participate in true nation-building.

The President said we need to usher in a culture of social responsibility in the governance of Indian companies. Indian business, by integrating social and environmental objectives in their operations, can make a positive contribution for the betterment of our society. "Inclusive growth” should not be a mere slogan but a fundamental driving force for sustainable development.

This release issued at 1315 hrs