Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday said good governance is the “invisible infrastructure” that sustains investor confidence and strengthens public trust, calling on company secretaries to uphold integrity, transparency and accountability in an increasingly technology-driven business environment.
Addressing the 58th Foundation Day celebrations of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, V-P Radhakrishnan said company secretaries are the “Guardians of Governance” and play a central role in strengthening the trust architecture of India Inc.
Extending his greetings to the ICSI fraternity, the Vice President commended the institute for its nearly six-decade journey in promoting transparent, ethical and inclusive corporate governance.
He said good governance is essential not only for safeguarding public trust but also for protecting the interests of investors. Citizens who pay taxes expect responsible governance, while investors expect companies to protect their interests through sound corporate governance.
V-P Radhakrishnan said ICSI has evolved beyond its traditional role in regulatory compliance and has emerged as an important institution contributing to good governance, corporate transparency and investor confidence.
Technology Cannot Replace Human Responsibility
Referring to the growing use of Artificial Intelligence, advanced data analytics and evolving business models, the Vice President said company secretaries must continue to safeguard the legal, strategic and ethical foundations of businesses.
“Technology may transform the manner in which information is generated and decisions are supported, but integrity, accountability, transparency and responsibility remain human,” he said.
V-P Radhakrishnan described trust, transparency and corporate governance as the “invisible infrastructure” of a modern economy, stressing that investor confidence is crucial for sustained economic growth.
He said company secretaries are at the centre of this architecture and have an important role in enabling enterprises, start-ups, family businesses and listed companies to grow responsibly.
ICSI, ICAI and ICMAI Key Pillars of Viksit Bharat
The Vice President said strong institutions and sound governance would be as important as physical and digital infrastructure in building a Viksit Bharat.
He underlined the complementary roles of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) and ICSI, describing them as key institutional pillars of India’s corporate and economic ecosystem and important contributors to the country’s journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047.
V-P Radhakrishnan also called for creating greater opportunities for young people to enter the company secretary profession. He appreciated ICSI’s fee-waiver initiatives and urged the institute to continue its efforts to reach out to students.
Focus on MSMEs and Start-ups
During the event, the Vice President launched the MSME Compliance Calendar 2027 and appreciated ICSI’s initiatives aimed at supporting MSMEs and start-ups, including the ICSI MSME & Start-up Catalyst.
He also appreciated ICSI’s contributions to the National Defence Fund under the Shaheed Ki Beti initiative and the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund of the Ministry of Defence.
“When the intention is good, everything will be good,” he said while acknowledging the institute’s social initiatives.
India Should Become Strong Enough to Resist Unwanted Pressure
Concluding his address, V-P Radhakrishnan urged ICSI to continue upholding the trust placed in the profession and contribute to building a strong, Aatma-nirbhar and Viksit Bharat @2047.
He said India should aspire to become the world’s largest economy not to dictate terms to other countries, but “so that no one can dictate unwanted terms to us.”
Invoking the timeless ethos of “Satyam Vada, Dharmam Chara”, the Vice President extended his greetings to the ICSI fraternity on its Foundation Day.
ICSI President C.S. Pawan Chandak, former Rajya Sabha member Dr Sonal Mansingh and ICSI Secretary C.S. Asish Mohan, among others, were present at the event.
