सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व in 30 Seconds
- Samajik Uttaradayitva means 'Social Responsibility' and is a formal B2-level term used in business and ethics.
- It combines 'Samajik' (social) and 'Uttaradayitva' (accountability/responsibility) and is a masculine noun.
- The term is most commonly associated with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and legal mandates for companies in India.
- It implies a deep moral and ethical duty towards the environment, community, and future generations.
The term सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व (Sāmājik Uttaradāyitva) is a sophisticated compound noun in Hindi that translates directly to 'Social Responsibility.' In the modern globalized context, it is most frequently used to denote 'Corporate Social Responsibility' (CSR), though it applies equally to individuals and institutions. It combines two powerful Sanskrit-derived words: Sāmājik (relating to society) and Uttaradāyitva (the state of being answerable or responsible). When you use this term, you are not just talking about a simple task or a chore; you are invoking a deep ethical obligation to contribute positively to the collective well-being of the community, the environment, and the future of humanity.
- Etymological Core
- The word 'Uttaradāyitva' is fascinating because 'Uttar' means 'answer.' Thus, the term literally implies being in a position where you must provide an answer for your actions. It suggests accountability to a higher social or moral authority.
आज के युग में, हर बड़ी कंपनी को अपने सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व को गंभीरता से लेना चाहिए। (In today's era, every large company should take its social responsibility seriously.)
In a professional setting, you will hear this word during board meetings, sustainability reports, and ethical debates. It represents the shift from a profit-only mindset to a 'people, planet, profit' approach. In Hindi-speaking academic circles, it is a key term in sociology, business ethics, and political science. If a company builds a school or cleans a river, they are fulfilling their Sāmājik Uttaradāyitva. It is a 'heavy' word, carrying the weight of duty and moral standing.
- Contextual Usage
- While 'Zimmedari' is a common word for responsibility, 'Uttaradāyitva' is formal and implies a legal or ethical mandate. You wouldn't use it for small chores like washing dishes; you use it for the destiny of a nation or the impact of an industry.
पर्यावरण संरक्षण हमारा सामूहिक सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व है। (Environmental protection is our collective social responsibility.)
- Formal Register
- This term is standard in the 'Official Language' (Rajbhasha) of India for documents related to governance and corporate law, specifically Section 135 of the Companies Act.
नैतिकता और सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व एक ही सिक्के के दो पहलू हैं। (Ethics and social responsibility are two sides of the same coin.)
Using सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व correctly requires an understanding of how it functions as a subject or an object in complex Hindi sentences. Because it is a highly formal term, it is often paired with verbs like nibhana (to fulfill/perform), samajhna (to understand), or svikarna (to accept). In this section, we will explore various syntactic structures where this term shines, helping you move beyond basic vocabulary into nuanced discourse.
- Active Fulfillment
- When a company or individual is actively doing something for society, we use the verb 'nibhana.' Example: 'Vah apna samajik uttaradayitva nibha raha hai.'
टाटा समूह ने हमेशा अपने सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व का पालन किया है। (The Tata Group has always followed its social responsibility.)
You can also use it in the passive voice or as a concept in philosophical statements. For instance, when discussing the philosophy of business, you might say that profit is secondary to samajik uttaradayitva. This positions the noun as a value system rather than just a task. It is also common to see it in the possessive case using 'ka' (masculine), as in 'Vigyapanon ka samajik uttaradayitva' (The social responsibility of advertisements).
- Structural Pairing
- Often combined with 'paryavaran' (environment) or 'shiksha' (education) to specify the field of responsibility. Example: 'Paryavaraniya aur samajik uttaradayitva.'
क्या लाभ कमाना ही एकमात्र उद्देश्य है, या सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व भी कुछ मायने रखता है? (Is earning profit the only objective, or does social responsibility also matter?)
मीडिया को अपने सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व को नहीं भूलना चाहिए। (Media should not forget its social responsibility.)
- Negation
- When criticizing an entity, you might say they are 'shunya' (zero) or 'vimukh' (turning away) from their responsibility. Example: 'Vah apne samajik uttaradayitva se vimukh ho gaye hain.'
शिक्षा के क्षेत्र में निवेश करना हमारा सबसे बड़ा सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व है। (Investing in the field of education is our biggest social responsibility.)
Understanding where सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व lives in the real world will help you recognize it in the wild. This isn't a word you'll hear much at a vegetable market or in a casual chat between friends about a movie. Instead, it dominates the landscapes of business, law, and high-level journalism. If you watch Hindi news channels like NDTV India or Rajya Sabha TV (now Sansad TV), you will frequently encounter this term in discussions about government policies, corporate scandals, or environmental activism.
- Corporate Reports
- In the annual reports (Varshik Prativedan) of Indian giants like Reliance, Infosys, or Wipro, there is always a dedicated section titled 'Samajik Uttaradayitva' detailing their philanthropic work.
समाचार: 'कंपनी ने अपने सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व कोष से पांच करोड़ रुपये दान किए।' (News: 'The company donated five crore rupees from its social responsibility fund.')
In universities, students of MBA or Social Work (MSW) spend entire semesters studying the theories of Sāmājik Uttaradāyitva. It is also a favorite topic for 'Nibandh' (Essays) in competitive exams like the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) or State PCS exams. If you are reading an editorial in a prestigious Hindi newspaper like 'Dainik Bhaskar' or 'Jansatta' regarding a factory's pollution, the writer will almost certainly invoke this term to criticize the owners' lack of ethics.
- Legal Discourse
- When lawyers or judges speak about the duties of the state or the rights of the marginalized, they often frame the government's role as a 'samajik uttaradayitva' to protect its citizens.
सेमिनार में वक्ता ने कहा, 'डिजिटल साक्षरता अब एक सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व बन गई है।' (The speaker at the seminar said, 'Digital literacy has now become a social responsibility.')
सरकारी विज्ञापन: 'स्वच्छ भारत अभियान में भाग लेना आपका सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व है।' (Govt Ad: 'Participating in the Clean India Mission is your social responsibility.')
- Academic Context
- Textbooks on Ethics and Integrity (Neetikta aur Satyanishtha) use this term to define the boundary between individual freedom and social good.
While सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व is a powerful term, it is often misused by learners and even native speakers in specific contexts. The most common error is confusing it with similar-sounding words or using the wrong grammatical gender. Because it is a Sanskritized (Tatsam) word, it follows strict grammatical rules that, if ignored, can make your speech sound awkward or uneducated in a formal setting.
- Confusion with 'Samajik Seva'
- Many people say 'Samajik Seva' (Social Service) when they mean 'Samajik Uttaradayitva.' Seva is voluntary and often religious or personal; Uttaradayitva is an obligation and often institutional. Don't say a company is doing 'Seva' in a formal report; use 'Uttaradayitva.'
गलत (Wrong): यह मेरी सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व है। (Grammar error: 'Meri' is feminine, but the noun is masculine.)
Another frequent mistake is the spelling and pronunciation of 'Uttaradāyitva.' Learners often omit the second 't' (writing it as Uttar-dayitva) or struggle with the 'yitva' suffix. Remember, it's 'Uttara' (answer) + 'Dāyitva' (responsibility). Also, avoid using it in casual contexts where a simpler word like 'Zimmedari' would suffice. Using such a heavy word to describe why you should pick up litter in your own backyard might sound overly dramatic or 'filmy' unless you are making a political point.
- Gender Agreement
- Always remember: Masculine. Use 'Apna' (My/Own), 'Bada' (Big), 'Sahi' (Correct). Example: 'Hamara samajik uttaradayitva' (Our social responsibility).
सही (Right): यह हमारा सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व है।
गलत (Wrong): कंपनियों को समाज की सेवा करनी चाहिए। (This is fine, but for B2 level, say: कंपनियों को अपने सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व को समझना चाहिए।)
- Over-complication
- Do not add extra 's' or 'ies' logic from English. It is a singular concept. 'Samajik Uttaradayitvon' is rarely used; keep it singular even when referring to multiple responsibilities.
Hindi is a language rich with synonyms, each carrying a different 'vibe' or register. While सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व is the gold standard for formal and corporate contexts, there are several other words you can use depending on who you are talking to and how much weight you want the word to carry. Understanding these nuances is what separates a proficient speaker from a beginner.
- 1. ज़िम्मेदारी (Zimmedārī)
- This is the most common word for responsibility. It is Urdu-derived and used in everyday conversation. While 'Uttaradāyitva' is formal and abstract, 'Zimmedārī' is practical and personal. You have a 'zimmedari' to lock the door; a company has an 'uttaradayitva' to save the planet.
- 2. कर्तव्य (Kartavya)
- Meaning 'Duty.' This word has a moral or dharmic connotation. It implies something you must do because it is right, often regardless of accountability. 'Samajik Kartavya' is a strong alternative when talking about citizenship and patriotism.
- 3. दायित्व (Dāyitva)
- This is just the second half of our main word. It means 'liability' or 'burden of responsibility.' In legal contexts, 'Dāyitva' is used to define who is responsible for a mistake or a debt.
तुलना: 'ज़िम्मेदारी' (Casual) vs सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व (Formal/Institutional).
When choosing between these, consider the 'source' of the responsibility. If the responsibility comes from a contract or a law, use Uttaradāyitva. If it comes from your heart or conscience, use Kartavya. If it's just a part of your job or daily life, Zimmedārī is your best friend. In a B2 level Hindi exam, using Samajik Uttaradayitva correctly in an essay about the environment will score much higher than using the other terms.
- 4. जवाबदेही (Javābdehī)
- Meaning 'Accountability.' This is closely related to 'Uttaradāyitva' but focuses more on being questioned after the fact. It is often used in political contexts (e.g., 'Sarkar ki javabdehi').
पर्यायवाची शब्द: 'सामाजिक दायित्व' भी कभी-कभी सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व के स्थान पर उपयोग किया जाता है। (Synonym: 'Samajik Dayitva' is also sometimes used instead of 'Samajik Uttaradayitva'.)
Examples by Level
यह हमारा सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व है।
This is our social responsibility.
Simple S + V structure with possessive 'hamara'.
सबकी मदद करना एक सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व है।
Helping everyone is a social responsibility.
Gerundial phrase used as a subject.
क्या आप अपना सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व जानते हैं?
Do you know your social responsibility?
Interrogative sentence with 'kya'.
पेड़ लगाना सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व है।
Planting trees is social responsibility.
Infinitive as a subject.
यह एक बड़ा सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व है।
This is a big social responsibility.
Adjective 'bada' matches masculine noun.
वह अपना सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व निभाता है।
He fulfills his social responsibility.
Present indefinite tense.
हमें सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व समझना चाहिए।
We should understand social responsibility.
Use of modal 'chahiye'.
पानी बचाना हमारा सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व है।
Saving water is our social responsibility.
Compound subject 'Pani bachana'.
आजकल कंपनियाँ अपना सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व समझ रही हैं।
Nowadays, companies are understanding their social responsibility.
Present continuous tense.
सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व के बिना व्यापार अधूरा है।
Business is incomplete without social responsibility.
Use of postposition 'ke bina'.
स्कूल बच्चों को सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व सिखाते हैं।
Schools teach children social responsibility.
Transitive verb 'sikhana'.
क्या यह केवल सरकार का सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व है?
Is this only the government's social responsibility?
Emphasis word 'keval'.
हमें अपने सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व को नहीं भूलना चाहिए।
We should not forget our social responsibility.
Negative modal 'nahi chahiye'.
उसने अपना सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व बखूबी निभाया।
He fulfilled his social responsibility very well.
Adverb 'bakhoobi' (well/perfectly).
शहर को साफ रखना हमारा सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व है।
Keeping the city clean is our social responsibility.
Object complement structure.
सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व एक अच्छी आदत है।
Social responsibility is a good habit.
Simple equative sentence.
कंपनियों को अपने लाभ का कुछ हिस्सा सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व में लगाना चाहिए।
Companies should invest a portion of their profit in social responsibility.
Use of 'me lagana' (to invest/put in).
सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व की भावना समाज को जोड़ती है।
The feeling of social responsibility unites society.
Noun phrase 'ki bhavna' (feeling of).
क्या मीडिया अपना सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व सही तरीके से निभा रहा है?
Is the media fulfilling its social responsibility in the right way?
Adverbial phrase 'sahi tareeke se'.
गरीबों की शिक्षा में मदद करना एक बड़ा सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व है।
Helping in the education of the poor is a major social responsibility.
Complex subject phrase.
प्रदूषण कम करना हर उद्योग का सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व होना चाहिए।
Reducing pollution should be the social responsibility of every industry.
Use of 'hona chahiye' (should be).
सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व केवल दान देना नहीं है।
Social responsibility is not just about giving donations.
Negation of an identity.
युवाओं में सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व के प्रति जागरूकता बढ़ रही है।
Awareness towards social responsibility is increasing among the youth.
Postposition 'ke prati' (towards).
गांधीजी ने सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व पर बहुत जोर दिया था।
Gandhiji had laid great emphasis on social responsibility.
Past perfect tense with 'par zor dena'.
निगमीय सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व (CSR) अब भारत में कानूनी रूप से अनिवार्य है।
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is now legally mandatory in India.
Adverbial phrase 'kanuni roop se'.
व्यवसाय का उद्देश्य केवल लाभ कमाना नहीं, बल्कि सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व भी है।
The objective of business is not just to earn profit, but also social responsibility.
Correlative conjunction 'nahi... balki' (not... but).
सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व के निर्वहन में पारदर्शिता अत्यंत आवश्यक है।
Transparency is extremely necessary in the discharge of social responsibility.
Formal word 'nirvahan' (discharge/fulfillment).
कंपनियों को अपने सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व के तहत स्थानीय समुदायों का विकास करना चाहिए।
Under their social responsibility, companies should develop local communities.
Postpositional phrase 'ke tahat' (under).
नैतिकता और सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व एक सफल ब्रांड की पहचान हैं।
Ethics and social responsibility are the hallmarks of a successful brand.
Plural verb 'hain' for two subjects.
क्या सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व केवल एक मार्केटिंग स्टंट बनकर रह गया है?
Has social responsibility merely become a marketing stunt?
Complex verb 'bankar reh gaya hai'.
पर्यावरण के प्रति सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व आज की सबसे बड़ी चुनौती है।
Social responsibility towards the environment is today's biggest challenge.
Superlative 'sabse badi'.
समाज के वंचित वर्गों के प्रति हमारा सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व और भी बढ़ जाता है।
Our social responsibility towards the underprivileged sections of society increases even more.
Intensifier 'aur bhi'.
सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व की अवधारणा वैश्विक पूंजीवाद के ढांचे में बदलाव ला रही है।
The concept of social responsibility is bringing changes in the framework of global capitalism.
Abstract noun 'avdharna' (concept).
सतत विकास के लक्ष्यों को प्राप्त करने के लिए सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व अनिवार्य है।
Social responsibility is mandatory to achieve sustainable development goals.
Purposive clause 'prapt karne ke liye'.
कंपनियों की जवाबदेही अब केवल शेयरधारकों तक सीमित नहीं है, बल्कि इसमें सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व भी शामिल है।
Companies' accountability is no longer limited to shareholders; it also includes social responsibility.
Passive-like structure 'seemit nahi hai'.
सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व के सिद्धांतों को शिक्षा प्रणाली में एकीकृत किया जाना चाहिए।
The principles of social responsibility should be integrated into the education system.
Passive voice 'ekikrit kiya jana chahiye'.
क्या हम सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व को कानूनी बाध्यता मानकर इसके मूल भाव को खो रहे हैं?
Are we losing the core essence of social responsibility by treating it as a legal obligation?
Participle phrase 'mankar' (considering/treating).
बौद्धिक संपदा और सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व के बीच एक सूक्ष्म संतुलन की आवश्यकता है।
There is a need for a subtle balance between intellectual property and social responsibility.
Adjective 'sookshm' (subtle/minute).
लोकतांत्रिक मूल्यों के संरक्षण में मीडिया का सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व सर्वोपरि है।
The social responsibility of the media in preserving democratic values is paramount.
High-level adjective 'sarvopari' (paramount).
सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व का अभाव किसी भी संस्था की विश्वसनीयता को धूमिल कर सकता है।
The lack of social responsibility can tarnish the credibility of any institution.
Potentiality 'kar sakta hai'.
सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व का दर्शन गांधीवादी 'ट्रस्टीशिप' के सिद्धांत में गहराई से निहित है।
The philosophy of social responsibility is deeply rooted in the Gandhian principle of 'Trusteeship'.
Philosophical register with 'darshan' and 'nihit'.
समकालीन विमर्श में, सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व को अब मात्र परोपकार नहीं, बल्कि एक रणनीतिक अनिवार्यता माना जाता है।
In contemporary discourse, social responsibility is no longer considered mere philanthropy, but a strategic imperative.
Complex adverbial 'samkalin vimarsh me'.
वैश्वीकरण के इस युग में, सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व की सीमाएं राष्ट्रीय सीमाओं से परे चली गई हैं।
In this era of globalization, the boundaries of social responsibility have gone beyond national borders.
Metaphorical usage of 'seemaen' (boundaries).
सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व के नाम पर होने वाली 'ग्रीनवाशिंग' कॉर्पोरेट जगत के लिए एक गंभीर नैतिक संकट है।
'Greenwashing' in the name of social responsibility is a serious ethical crisis for the corporate world.
Direct use of loan-word 'Greenwashing' in Hindi context.
क्या सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व का प्रवचन वास्तव में व्यवस्थागत परिवर्तन लाने में सक्षम है?
Is the discourse of social responsibility truly capable of bringing systemic change?
High-level noun 'pravachan' (discourse/treatise).
सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व की भावना का ह्रास किसी भी सभ्यता के पतन का सूचक हो सकता है।
The erosion of the sense of social responsibility can be an indicator of the decline of any civilization.
Formal nouns 'hraas' (decline) and 'soochak' (indicator).
तकनीकी दिग्गजों का सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व डेटा गोपनीयता और एल्गोरिथम निष्पक्षता तक विस्तृत है।
The social responsibility of tech giants extends to data privacy and algorithmic fairness.
Complex subject 'takniki diggajon' (tech giants).
सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व को केवल आर्थिक लाभ के चश्मे से देखना इसकी मूल आत्मा का अपमान है।
Viewing social responsibility only through the lens of economic profit is an insult to its core soul.
Idiomatic 'chashme se dekhna' (to view through a lens).
Synonyms
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Understand your social responsibility. Often used in public service announcements.
कृपया कचरा न फैलाएं और अपना सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व समझें।
— Within the ambit of social responsibility. Used in legal and corporate discussions.
यह कार्य हमारे सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व के दायरे में आता है।
— To promote social responsibility. Used in activism and education.
हमें युवाओं के बीच सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व को बढ़ावा देना चाहिए।
— Following or adhering to social responsibility.
नियमों का पालन करना ही सबसे बड़ा सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व है।
— Lack of social responsibility. Used in critical analysis.
भ्रष्टाचार सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व की कमी को दर्शाता है।
— The principle of social responsibility. Academic usage.
यह निर्णय सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व के सिद्धांत पर आधारित है।
Summary
The term 'सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व' (Sāmājik Uttaradāyitva) is the formal way to express 'Social Responsibility' in Hindi. It is essential for professional communication, particularly in business reports and academic writing. Example: 'पर्यावरण बचाना हमारा सामाजिक उत्तरदायित्व है' (Saving the environment is our social responsibility).
- Samajik Uttaradayitva means 'Social Responsibility' and is a formal B2-level term used in business and ethics.
- It combines 'Samajik' (social) and 'Uttaradayitva' (accountability/responsibility) and is a masculine noun.
- The term is most commonly associated with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and legal mandates for companies in India.
- It implies a deep moral and ethical duty towards the environment, community, and future generations.
Related Content
Related Phrases
More business words
आभासी
B2Not physically existing but made to appear by computer software; virtual.
आईटी
B2IT (Information Technology); the use of computers to store, retrieve, transmit, and manipulate data.
आक्रामक रूप से
B2In an aggressive manner.
आखिरकार
B2Finally, eventually, after all.
आपूर्ति-आधारित
B2Supply-based; dependent on the supply of something.
आपूर्ति करना
B1To provide or make something available.
आपूर्ती करना
B1To provide (someone) with something needed or wanted.
आपूर्ति और मांग
B2The amount of a commodity, product, or service available and the desire of buyers.
आपूर्ति संबंधी
B2Supply-related; pertaining to the provision of something.
आपूर्ति श्रृंखला प्रबंधन
B2The management of the flow of goods and services.
