New Delhi, September 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Saturday that India is showcasing its strength by achieving robust economic growth and creating employment opportunities despite prevailing global conflicts and disruptions. He also criticized those who question the nation’s progress, suggesting they are unable to accept India’s current economic standing.
Economic Growth and Global Standing
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Prime Minister Modi, addressing the centenary celebrations of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) in Delhi, highlighted India’s economic performance, stating the country is growing at 7.8 per cent. He contrasted this with past economic challenges, recalling when India was considered among the “Fragile Five.” The Prime Minister emphasized that while international concerns previously focused on India’s policy paralysis, the global discourse now centers on India’s policy dynamism.
The Prime Minister pointed out that India’s 7.8 per cent GDP growth rate for the April-June quarter was achieved during a period of ongoing conflict in West Asia and persistent trade disruptions, underscoring the nation’s resilience and strength. He made a veiled reference to political opponents, suggesting that those responsible for India’s past economic vulnerabilities cannot reconcile with its current growth figures.
Addressing Internal Security and Naysayers
Prime Minister Modi also spoke about the improved internal security situation, stating that individuals and groups previously associated with spreading terror have been subdued. He remarked that any transgression by Pakistan is now met with a decisive response from the Indian Army on their own territory. He further noted the restoration of peace in regions like Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast, and the dismantling of Naxalism.
Reflecting on his previous address at SRCC in 2013, when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Prime Minister Modi recalled an environment marked by unchecked corruption, terrorism, and inflation. He contrasted this with the present, asserting that India is now far more secure economically and socially. He addressed the frustration of some who are critical of this progress, referring to them metaphorically as “dimagi Naxal” (mental Naxalites) and suggesting their true nature is evident.
Vision for a Stronger India
The Prime Minister underscored that India’s current development and employment generation are occurring in a challenging global environment. He noted that many who perceived the country’s situation negatively in 2013 continue to hold the same pessimistic view. He also addressed the aspirations of the current generation of students, noting their ambition for start-ups, entrepreneurship, and agricultural innovation, which he attributed to a conducive national environment.
He further contrasted the positive societal contributors with those he termed “angry uncles” or “naraz fufa” who are quick to oppose any initiative, their default response being a questioning of the necessity of any given task. He drew a parallel with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, which faced skepticism in 2013 but has now achieved significant brand value, evidenced by India’s transformation from a mobile phone importer to a substantial exporter.
Prime Minister Modi also expressed confidence in India’s future achievements, citing the nation’s ambition for its own space station and hosting awe-inspiring Olympic Games. He highlighted the significant increase in domestic defence manufacturing, with India now exporting defense goods worth substantially more than in previous years, a shift from past reliance on foreign procurement.
SRCC Centenary Celebrations
The Prime Minister lauded the Shri Ram College of Commerce on its centenary, referring to its alumni as “OGs” (Original Gangsters), a term resonating with the younger generation. He described the institution’s 100-year journey as an “ocean of achievements” that has shaped generations and connected them to a brighter future. During the event, Prime Minister Modi released a commemorative Rs 100 coin to mark the centenary.
His visit to SRCC is part of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s outreach to the youth. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Modi had met with the college’s governing body and a delegation to mark the institution’s 100th anniversary, during which he also released a special commemorative postage stamp.
The Chenab Times News Desk