PM Modi Attends SRCC Centenary Celebrations, Highlights India’s Economic Growth and Youth Potential
New Delhi, September 5, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the centenary celebrations of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), University of Delhi, marking 100 years of the institution and its contribution to education and nation-building.
Addressing students, alumni, faculty members and guests, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the college’s founder, Shri Ram, and highlighted SRCC’s journey from its modest beginnings in Daryaganj to becoming one of India’s leading institutions of higher education.
Modi said that when an institution completes 100 years, it becomes a repository of achievements, experiences and inspiration. He also praised SRCC alumni for making their mark across diverse fields, including politics, judiciary, arts, business and public policy.
PM Modi Highlights India’s Economic Growth
During his address, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s recent economic performance amid global uncertainty. He said that India’s 7.8% quarterly growth reflects the strength and resilience of the country’s economy.
He contrasted the present economic environment with the situation in 2013, saying India has moved from “policy paralysis to policy dynamism.”
Modi cited several indicators to underline economic activity:
- Electricity production increased by 9% between April and June.
- Overall vehicle sales increased by more than 20%.
- Two-wheeler sales grew by around 20%.
- Three-wheeler sales increased by nearly 30%.
- Steel and cement consumption rose by around 8%.
According to the Prime Minister, these trends indicate continued growth in construction, housing and commercial activity.
Jan Dhan Yojana and Make in India Highlighted
The Prime Minister also highlighted the impact of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, recalling that a large section of India's population did not have access to bank accounts before the scheme was launched.
He said the expansion of banking access has helped create the foundation for India’s fintech ecosystem.
Modi also cited the growth of domestic manufacturing under the Make in India initiative. He said smartphone exports have crossed ₹2.5 lakh crore, while India's defence production has reached an all-time high of nearly ₹2 lakh crore.
He added that defence exports, which were around ₹600–700 crore in 2013-14, have now grown to approximately ₹40,000 crore.
From Infrastructure to Innovation, India Moving at a New Pace
The Prime Minister said India is now progressing at a faster pace, with several projects and initiatives being completed in years instead of the decades they previously required.
He cited railway electrification as an example, saying that although India's first electric train ran in 1925, less than 30% of railway lines had been electrified by 2014. According to him, India has now achieved nearly complete railway electrification within about 12 years.
He also referred to India's trade agreements and said Free Trade Agreements with around 40 countries are creating new opportunities for sectors including leather, textiles and processed food.
PM Modi Calls on Youth to Think Bigger
Addressing SRCC students, Modi urged young Indians to adopt an ambitious approach towards innovation, entrepreneurship and global leadership.
He highlighted the growing participation of young people in areas such as:
- Startups and unicorns
- Drone technology
- Artificial intelligence
- Space technology
- New-age innovation
The Prime Minister challenged students to go beyond traditional career paths and create globally competitive Indian companies in sectors such as consulting, accounting, finance and law.
He said that if Indians can lead some of the world's largest companies, there is no reason why companies created in India cannot become global leaders.
Vision for Viksit Bharat and Aatmanirbhar India
Modi outlined several long-term national ambitions, including strengthening India's position in agricultural exports, establishing an Indian space station and eventually hosting the Olympic Games.
He said these goals represent firm national resolutions rather than merely aspirations.
Emphasising the role of India's young population, the Prime Minister said that the collective strength of 140 crore Indians will be central to achieving the goals of Viksit Bharat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Message to Students on Nation-Building
Drawing a connection with SRCC’s campus culture and student life, Modi encouraged students to remain optimistic about India's development while also being willing to question and challenge conventional thinking.
He recalled how several major initiatives, including UPI, high-speed trains, the new Parliament building and major infrastructure projects, had faced criticism during their early stages.
The Prime Minister said India's progress demonstrates that the country can pursue large-scale ambitions when there is determination and sustained effort.
Concluding his address, Modi drew inspiration from the SRCC crest and compared the journey of young people to a ship moving towards a guiding sun. He called upon students to contribute to a path of self-reliance, innovation and national development, saying that the journey towards Viksit Bharat must be driven by Indian talent, courage and ambition.
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