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The Indian Express

PM Modi’s Gen Z nod: Naaraaz fufa (angry uncle), OG, Dhurandhar, ‘your seniors could not dream’

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Vikas Pathak, Gayathri Mani

September 7, 2026
PM Modi’s Gen Z nod: Naaraaz fufa (angry uncle), OG, Dhurandhar, ‘your seniors could not dream’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to Delhi University's SRCC to commemorate its centenary celebrations. During the event, he marked the milestone by releasing a ₹100 coin and reflecting on his political journey since his landmark 2013 speech.

A Symbolic Return to Academic Roots

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) marks a significant moment of reflection, occurring exactly 13 years after his transformative 2013 address at the same venue. At that time, while serving as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, his "glass full" speech was widely interpreted as the launchpad for his national political ambitions. Returning now as a three-time Prime Minister, the visit serves as both a celebration of institutional longevity and a personal milestone in his political trajectory.

Commemorating a Century of Excellence

The primary focus of the Prime Minister's visit was to participate in the centenary celebrations of SRCC, an institution under the University of Delhi that has long been synonymous with academic rigor in commerce and economics. To immortalize this century of excellence, PM Modi formally released a commemorative ₹100 coin, a gesture intended to honor the college’s contribution to India’s institutional landscape. This act reinforces the government’s emphasis on recognizing educational pillars that have shaped the nation’s professional workforce.

Nurturing Leaders for the Future

In his address, the Prime Minister highlighted the college’s profound influence on public and professional life. He explicitly lauded SRCC for its role in nurturing generations of leaders who have gone on to excel in business, governance, and social sectors. By acknowledging the institution's history of institution-building, the Prime Minister underscored the importance of academic environments in fostering the intellectual capital necessary for a developing economy.

Celebrating the 'OG' Alumni

During his speech, the Prime Minister employed a colloquial touch, famously remarking, "Dhurandhar na ho lekin dhoom machai hai" (They may not be the stalwarts, but they have done great). He used this sentiment to praise the 'OG' (original) alumni of the college, specifically citing figures such as the late Union Minister Arun Jaitley and economist Sanjeev Sanyal. This recognition of alumni success served to illustrate how the college’s graduates have consistently taken their expertise to the global stage, further cementing the institution's prestige.

A Connection Beyond Protocol

Beyond the formal proceedings, the visit was marked by a notable emphasis on accessibility. The Prime Minister opted for a Delhi Metro ride to reach the college premises, during which he interacted with children. This choice of transit not only mirrors his preference for public outreach but also provides a stark contrast to the high-security protocols typically associated with a sitting head of government, signaling a desire to remain connected with the urban youth and the general public.

Looking Toward the Future

The legacy of SRCC, as highlighted by the Prime Minister, is one of sustained impact. As the college moves past its centenary, the focus remains on its ability to adapt and continue providing opportunities for growth and innovation. The Prime Minister’s presence serves as an endorsement of this enduring mission, suggesting that institutions like SRCC will remain central to the nation's human resource strategy as India continues its pursuit of global economic leadership.

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