Indian business community should take up issues of social responsibility, along with 'enterprise development' for the youth, British Crown Prince Charles said on Tuesday.

"It is important for business groups to take up social responsibilities, such as education and provision of clean water. Enabling sustainable livelihood for everybody is one of the pressing challenges before the country," he said at a business reception in Mumbai.

• What about Mumbai, asks Prince Charles

The contribution from corporates should be positive, he said, adding that there was a long tradition of business houses engaged in philanthropy in India.

The heir to the British throne also cautioned the corporates that mutual trust and respect should not be taken for granted.

The development of rural parts would also lessen the burden on urban areas, he said.

Referring to Bharatiya Yuva Shakti Trust, which was initiated during his visit to India 11 years ago, Prince Charles said this was an important partnership (with Prince Charles Trust) and a good example of corporate citizenship.

Rahul Bajaj, Chairman of Bajaj Auto who is also associated with BYST, said the trust was set up for the development of underprivileged youth.

Prince Charles, who praised the country's quality of human capital, said: "India has a true sense of sacredness and I hope modernisation and economic growth are not achieved through the sacrifice of this property."

Prince Charles said, "One of the things I saw in India was the importance given to relationships -- family life -- which comes down from generation to generation."

Speaking about Indo-British relationship, he said, it was valued by both the countries, which was flourishing on all fronts, including education, trade and defence.

On his visit to India after 11 years, the Prince said: "I have seen many facets of life and today got a chance to see the cosmopolitan life of Mumbai."

"The business of dabbawallahs was extraordinary. They have been operating for last 100 years with a good success record. The system was of a high standard," he added.

Tata Sons Director J J Irani said Prince Charles on his next trip should visit east India, where the Tata group has developed various communities, provided them with education, water supply and electricity. Even the Confederation of Indian Industry has set up a social responsibility council.

Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata, Hindustan Lever Chairman M S Banga, ICICI Bank Joint Managing Director Lalita Gupte, Nicholas Piramal Director Swati Piramal, Wockhardt Chairman Habil Khorakiwala, TCS Chief Executive S Ramadorai, DSP Merrill Lynch Vice Chairman Shitin Desai and HSBC India chief Niall Booker were among those who attended the reception.