Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the centenary celebrations of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) in Delhi on September 5, 2026. During his address, he reflected on the college’s hundred-year journey and its alumni who have succeeded across multiple fields. He also used the occasion to discuss India’s recent economic performance and outline his government’s development agenda.
What the Prime Minister said
Modi paid tribute to the college’s founder Shri Ram and noted that SRCC has evolved from a modest establishment in Daryaganj into a leading educational institution. He observed that the college’s alumni have become accomplished professionals in politics, judiciary, arts, and business, including the late Arun Jaitley and economist Sanjeev Sanyal.
On India’s economy, Modi highlighted that the country achieved 7.8 percent quarterly growth between April and June despite global challenges. He presented supporting figures: electricity production increased by 9 percent, vehicle sales rose over 20 percent (with two-wheelers up 20 percent and three-wheelers up nearly 30 percent), and steel and cement consumption grew by 8 percent.
Modi referenced his 2013 address at the same college and claimed that his government shifted from reactive governance to proactive policy-making. He cited the Jan Dhan Yojana scheme, which he said has brought around 60 crore citizens into the banking system, compared to over 50 percent of India’s 1.25 billion population lacking bank accounts before March 2014.
On manufacturing, Modi stated that smartphone exports now exceed Rs 2.5 lakh crore annually. He noted that defense production reached nearly Rs 2 lakh crore, up from Rs 600-700 crore in 2013-14, while defense exports have grown to Rs 40,000 crore. He also mentioned that nearly 100 percent of railway lines have been electrified in twelve years, and that his government has signed Free Trade Agreements with 40 countries.
What this means for you
If you are a student, Modi’s remarks underscore his government’s focus on rapid infrastructure development and economic growth as the backdrop for your career prospects. The emphasis on manufacturing exports, defence production, and emerging sectors like fintech and AI suggests where employment opportunities may expand. His challenge to Indian entrepreneurs to build globally competitive firms indicates the government sees private sector growth as central to its development vision.