The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented Business Standard Awards today (March 23, 2013) at a function at Mumbai.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that it gladdened him to note that the Business Standard Awards, instituted in 2000, have gained in stature. He said that it is today associated with the spirit of entrepreneurship of Indian business.

The President said that business papers today have a more definite role to play in the economic development of the country. He said that the news that business papers publish could influence the sentiments of the Indian business community. They too have a bearing on the decisions of the foreign investors to invest in India. This is especially important as inflows help the domestic industry to raise capital and ease the country’s current account deficit, he added.

The President said that while focusing on economic growth, there should be increased emphasis on inclusiveness. He said that we cannot ignore 355 million people who live below the poverty line. He stated that in reality, growth to be sustainable has to be inclusive. He said that the Government has taken special measures to uplift the fortunes of the marginalized sections of the society. The Right to Education, Employment and Food Security are the three pillars on which inclusive development rests, he added.

The President said that a pool of competent technical manpower would be necessary to take forward the ‘competitiveness’ dimension. Up-gradation of our technical institutes has to be accorded priority. He said that the interface between our technical universities and institutes, and the industry should be strengthened. He stressed that research centers and institutes of higher learning must collaborate with the industry to address the needs of manufacturing sector.

The President said that the Annual Business Standard Awards is an occasion to rededicate ourselves to these goals of higher growth and of allowing the fruits of development to be shared by all.

Among who present on the occasion were Governor of Maharashtra, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Chairman of Business Standard, Shri TN Ninan and Editor, Business Standard, Shri Ashok Bhattacharya.