OG, flex: PM Modi brings Gen Z lingo to SRCC centenary celebrations

At the centenary celebrations of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed students in a language familiar to the younger generation having a Gen Z-style way of describing its alumni at the celebration.Addressing the young audience at SRCC, Modi switched to language that students would instantly recognise, using terms such as “OG” and “flex” while talking about the college and its alumni.“If I say it in Gen Z language, they are OG,” Modi said, referring to SRCC’s former students and their achievements across different fields.He then added his own line: “Dhurandhar na ho, lekin dhoom toh machayi hai.” (They may not be the most formidable, but they have certainly made their mark.) The remark captured the tone of his address as Modi spoke about how SRCC alumni have made their mark in politics, law, business and several other areas.Modi also recalled working with SRCC alumni, naming former Union minister Arun Jaitley and economist Sanjeev Sanyal. #WATCH | Delhi: At the centenary celebrations of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "The alumni of SRCC have also been very special. In your language, I would say the alumni here are the OGs. They have taken the name of SRCC across the world pic.twitter.com/MvPvz2kGNi— ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2026FROM A SMALL START TO SRCCLooking back at the college’s 100-year journey, Modi said SRCC began from a small setting in Daryaganj and has now grown into an institution that has shaped generations of students.He said, "Even today, when someone at Delhi University asks which college you are from, saying "SRCC" speaks for itself. Simply saying "SRCC" is a flex in itself."For Modi, the college’s real legacy lies in the people it has produced and the impact they have made beyond its campus.#WATCH | Delhi: At the centenary celebrations of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "...Even today, when someone at Delhi University asks which college you are from, saying "SRCC" speaks for itself. Simply saying "SRCC" is a flex in itself." pic.twitter.com/yPzOtjfSoC— ANI (@ANI) September 5, 2026THE 2013 SPEECH IS BACKModi also turned the clock back to his earlier visit to SRCC in 2013. He said people were still remembering his old speech, parts of which have continued to circulate and make an impact.He brought back one of the examples from that address: the glass analogy.Modi said he looks at the glass as “half full” rather than “half empty”, highlighting the importance of seeing possibilities even when challenges remain.JOSHI ON EDUCATION AND INDIA’S GROWTHUnion Education Minister Pralhad Joshi praised SRCC for implementing the National Education Policy well and highlighted India’s higher education expansion.He said student enrolment has reached 4.54 crore, an increase of around one crore over the last decade, while India now has more than 2.3 lakh recognised startups and the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem.‘WHY NOT INDIAN COMPANIES?’Modi then moved from SRCC’s alumni to a much bigger question: India’s place in the global economy.Pointing to India’s growing manufacturing strength, he said Indians are already leading some of the world’s biggest companies.So, he asked, why should Indian companies not lead the world?For the Prime Minister, SRCC’s centenary was therefore not only a moment to celebrate its past. It was also an opportunity to challenge its young students to think about what they could build for India’s future.MODI’S MESSAGE FOR SRCC’S NEXT GENERATIONAfter the event, Modi also took to X to reflect on the occasion, saying the centenary celebrations brought back memories of his 2013 address at SRCC. He said the college had spent 100 years nurturing bright minds and contributing to nation-building.Delighted to attend the centenary celebrations of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) at Delhi University.Brought back several memories of my 2013 address at the same college.For a hundred years, SRCC has nurtured bright minds and contributed immensely to nation-building. pic.twitter.com/TIThccN7DM— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 5, 2026He wished that SRCC would continue to inspire generations of young people to “dream big, innovate and lead India towards a Viksit Bharat."For SRCC, the centenary was a celebration of its past. For Modi, it was also a reminder of what its next generation could do.- EndsPublished By: Princy ShuklaPublished On: Sep 5, 2026 21:12 IST