Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Delhi University's Shri Ram College of Commerce, known as SRCC, and used the occasion to speak candidly about the nation's progress, the role of the youth, and the people who instinctively resist change. In his trademark style, he coined a witty label for those who stand in the way of development work, calling them 'angry uncles' or 'naraz phoofa'.
Campus memories and the 'SRCC mode'
Modi told the students that their lives right now revolve entirely around what he called the 'SRCC mode'. He spoke of the small, cherished moments that define college life, tea breaks in the canteen, long conversations with friends over cold coffee, and the last-minute scramble to gather notes and printouts before exams. He said all of these moments eventually turn into lifelong memories. He also pointed out that the hard work students put into events like Crossroads and the Business Conclave forms an important part of their college years. But once they step outside the campus gates, he warned, they will encounter a completely different and far more demanding world.
Two kinds of people, two kinds of thinking
The Prime Minister explained that in the real world, students will come across all sorts of people. One group works to channel society's positive energy and effort into building the strength of the nation. But another group exists too, one that opposes any new initiative the moment it is launched. It was this second group that Modi jokingly branded as 'angry uncles', saying their favourite pastime is objecting to everything. Their catchphrase, he said, never changes: "What is the need for this?"
From a giant statue to the new Parliament, the same question every time
To back up his point, the Prime Minister listed several examples. He recalled that when the plan to build the world's tallest statue was announced, these very critics questioned why it was needed. The same question resurfaced when the high-speed train project was launched. When work began on the UPI digital payments system, some people again asked what purpose it would serve. Even when construction of the new Parliament building was announced, its necessity was questioned all over again.
Even a memorial to fallen soldiers wasn't spared
Modi went on to say that when the National War Memorial was built to honour soldiers and military heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country, critics repeated the exact same question once more. According to the Prime Minister, India has no shortage of such 'angry uncles', but no force can stop the country from doing what is genuinely necessary for the nation. He stressed that no matter how much criticism comes its way, India does not back down from decisions made in the national interest.
Projects that once took decades now finish in a few years
Wrapping up his address, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that India today is moving forward with an entirely new energy and pace. He said that major projects which used to take decades to complete are now being finished within just a few years. Modi added that the country is continuously working to turn its resolutions into achievements. He urged the students to adopt this same positive mindset and play an active part in the nation's growth, noting that this journey remains incomplete without the participation of the youth.
