Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in centenary celebrations of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) today. Addressing the gathering he noted that the occasion is historic for both the college and the nation’s education sector as multiple generations have gathered together. “I pay tribute to the founder Shri Ram ji and bow to his vision,” remarked Shri Modi.
Highlighting the profound significance of this 100-year milestone for both the college and the nation’s education sector, the Prime Minister paid tribute to founder Shri Ram ji and bowed to his enduring vision. “When an institution turns 100, it becomes an ocean of achievements and inspirations,” observed Shri Modi.
Tracing the college’s magnificent evolution from a modest establishment in Daryaganj to a towering educational institution, the Prime Minister noted that it has shaped generations. He acknowledged the immense pride associated with the institution’s name today. “Even today in DU, saying you are from SRCC is a flex in itself,” affirmed Shri Modi.
Praising the stellar legacy of the college, the Prime Minister acknowledged the SRCC alumni as original trailblazers who have elevated the institution globally across various fields. He recalled his personal experiences working with notable alumni like the late Arun Jaitley and Sanjeev Sanyal, observing that graduates have excelled as artists, politicians, and judges. “Meaning, the alumni of SRCC have made their mark in every field,” noted Shri Modi.
Reflecting on the widespread nostalgia surrounding the current event, the Prime Minister observed that people are fondly remembering and revisiting his previous 2013 address at the college. He mentioned that the speech created a lasting wave whose positive impact remains completely intact even after 13 to 14 years. “Devoting myself wholeheartedly to the country is the inner passion that manifested in my words that day,” affirmed Shri Modi.
Contrasting past struggles with today’s achievements, the Prime Minister emphasized that terrorism has been defeated, with armed forces confidently striking enemies in their own homes and peace restored from Jammu and Kashmir to the Northeast. He highlighted that the world now praises India’s policy dynamism and its status as the fastest-growing major economy. “Achieving a 7.8 percent quarterly growth amidst the West Asia war and global trade hurdles demonstrates India’s intrinsic capability,” asserted Shri Modi.
Presenting hard economic data to counter persistent critics, the Prime Minister detailed that between April and June, electricity production increased by 9 percent, while overall vehicle sales surged by over 20 percent, driven by a 20 percent growth in two-wheelers and nearly 30 percent in three-wheelers. He argued that an 8 percent increase in steel and cement consumption proves that construction, housing, and commercial activity are rapidly expanding. “Despite this, for the people who saw the glass as half-empty in 2013, their mindset remains exactly the same today,” noted Shri Modi.
Recounting his 2013 promise of Pro-People Good Governance (P2G2), the Prime Minister stated that his government permanently discarded the reactive approach of previous administrations. He cited the 12-year success of the Jan Dhan Yojana as a prime example, recalling that until March 2014, over 50 percent of India’s 1.25 billion population lacked bank accounts, whereas the scheme has now integrated around 60 crore citizens. “Today almost every family in the country is connected to the banking system, which has formed the foundation of India’s Fintech revolution,” affirmed Shri Modi.
Defending the ‘Make in India’ initiative against early mockery, the Prime Minister celebrated its monumental success in transforming the nation from a massive importer to a leading exporter. He proudly shared that smartphone exports now exceed Rs 2.5 lakh crore, while domestic defense production has hit an all-time high of nearly Rs 2 lakh crore, turning 2013-14 defense exports of a mere Rs 600-700 crore into a massive Rs 40,000 crore industry today. “I am not a person who walks with small and easy goals; I set huge targets for the country and put my heart and soul into achieving them,” affirmed Shri Modi.
Expressing immense trust in the youth and the capability of 140 crore Indians, the Prime Minister laid out a bold vision for a self-reliant and fully developed India. He outlined ambitious future milestones, including becoming a superpower in agriculture exports, establishing an Indian space station, and eventually hosting the Olympic Games. “And these are not just talks, these are our firm resolutions,” asserted Shri Modi.
Transitioning from the lively campus life of tea at the Co-op, Crossroads, and the Business Conclave to the realities of the outside world, the Prime Minister warned students about cynical individuals who compulsively oppose national progress. He pointed out how these naysayers habitually questioned vital projects like the world’s tallest Statue, High-Speed Trains, UPI, and the new Parliament building. “But India gave an answer: no one can stop India from doing what is necessary for the country,” remarked Shri Modi.
Highlighting the unprecedented speed of infrastructure and policy execution, the Prime Minister noted that projects which previously took decades are now being completed in just a few years. He cited that despite India’s first electric train running in 1925, less than 30 percent of railway lines were electrified by 2014, whereas his government achieved nearly 100 percent electrification in just 12 years, alongside signing Free Trade Agreements with 40 countries covering leather, textiles, and processed foods. “This is creating a new sky of opportunities for the youth of India,” observed Shri Modi.
Shri Modi recalled his administration’s resilient handling of severe modern crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war. “There is so much power in the blessings of the people of my country that every desire of those wishing ill upon India is falling flat,” affirmed Shri Modi.
Encouraging the ambitious spirit of the 21st-century youth, the Prime Minister celebrated their drive to build unicorns, innovate in drone technology, and create cutting-edge AI solutions. He urged them to dream even bigger than previous generations, challenging them to build global consulting, accounting, financial, and legal firms that can lead the world. “Today, Indians are leading the top companies of the world, so why can’t companies built by Indians lead the world?” noted Shri Modi.
Drawing inspiration from the SRCC college crest, the Prime Minister beautifully compared the youth’s journey to a ship advancing toward a guiding sun. He called upon everyone to navigate a new path of self-reliance where the courage, the dreams, and the ultimate victory belong entirely to India. “On the path to a Viksit Bharat, every rapidly rising step should be ours,” asserted Shri Modi.
