PM Modi Targets ‘Dimagi Naxals’ During Youth-Focused SRCC Speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to Delhi University’s Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) for its centenary celebrations on September 5, using a youth-focused address to pitch an aspirational vision for India while taking another swipe at his political critics.

Modi revived the phrase ‘dimagi Naxal’, which he had introduced from the Red Fort, and described it as a kind of ‘homeopathic pill’ that, in his words, prompted critics to reveal their positions. The remark came as he contrasted what he described as India’s present strength with the crises faced in earlier years.

A message aimed at Gen-Z

A major theme of the speech was the role of young Indians in shaping a developed India. Modi urged students to think beyond conventional career paths, pointing to opportunities in startups, space, drones, artificial intelligence and agriculture. He also argued that Indian-created companies should aspire to become global leaders.

Modi’s examples from past crises

To underline his political argument, Modi referred to the 2013 Kedarnath disaster, the 2008 global financial crisis and the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. He then cited the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, disruptions to trade and supply chains, and the West Asia crisis as challenges faced during the last decade.

The 2047 pitch

Modi linked the youth message to the goal of building a developed India by 2047, when the country will mark 100 years of independence. He called on students to set larger ambitions and said the country’s future would depend on the capability, ideas and confidence of its younger generation.

The SRCC appearance also revived memories of Modi’s 2013 visit to the college, when he was Gujarat chief minister and used the platform for a widely discussed political and economic pitch. The latest address combined that earlier youth outreach with his current message on Viksit Bharat and his criticism of opponents.