In a detailed interview with MIT scientist and AI researcher Lex Fridman, the Prime Minister made a statement in March 2025, which reflects the thoughts of the Government of India.
Narendra Modi: Prime Minister of India – Power, Democracy, War & Peace | Lex Fridman Podcast #460
“Alongside education, values are to be prioritised, so students remain grounded, and learn skills so they don’t become a burden on society.”
PM Narendra Modi
PM Narendra Modi’s statement provides an implicit policy directive that can guide how corporates should structure their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding. His emphasis on education, values, and skill development aligns with India’s broader socio-economic goals and suggests several key takeaways for CSR funding strategies:
1. Prioritisation of Value-Based Education
- Corporates should not only fund traditional education but also support value-based learning that instills ethics, civic responsibility, and cultural awareness.
- CSR initiatives in education should go beyond literacy and numeracy to include moral education, social ethics, and community consciousness.
2. Emphasis on Skill Development
- The statement suggests that education alone is insufficient; practical skills are essential for employability and self-reliance.
- CSR funds should be channeled into vocational training, apprenticeships, digital skills, and entrepreneurship programs, ensuring that students are prepared for the workforce.
- This aligns with India’s Skill India Mission, reinforcing the role of corporates in bridging the skill gap.
3. Preventing Social Dependence & Unemployment
- The phrase “so they don’t become a burden on society” is a clear directive that self-sufficiency should be a goal.
- CSR initiatives should focus on job creation, financial literacy, and sustainable livelihood projects, particularly in rural and underprivileged communities.
- Companies should support micro-entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment programs, and self-help groups (SHGs).
4. Integrating CSR with National Development Goals
- The statement aligns with several Indian government policies, including:
- NEP 2020 (National Education Policy) – Encouraging holistic and value-based education.
- Skill India & Atmanirbhar Bharat – Promoting self-reliance and employability.
- Digital India – Encouraging digital skills and future-ready education.
- Corporates should synchronize CSR strategies with these national initiatives to maximize impact.
5. Long-Term Sustainable CSR Impact
- Instead of short-term charity, companies should invest in long-term educational and skill-building programs that ensure a sustainable transformation of communities.
- Partnerships with NGOs, educational institutions, and government initiatives can enhance the effectiveness of CSR projects.
Conclusion: A Strategic Shift for CSR
PM Modi’s statement serves as a guiding philosophy for CSR funding—moving beyond conventional donations towards value-driven, skill-based, and sustainable educational models. Corporates should integrate value education, practical skills, and self-reliance programs into their CSR policies to create a workforce that contributes to national development rather than depending on social welfare and freebies schemes.
