PM Modi Recalls Getting ‘Annoyed’ by Arun Jaitley’s SRCC Stories

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a warm, personal memory of former Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley while addressing the centenary celebrations of the Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) in Delhi on Saturday. Speaking at the event, Modi reflected on the institution’s legacy and the achievements of its alumni across multiple fields.

Modi Praises SRCC’s Alumni Network

The Prime Minister lauded SRCC for producing accomplished individuals across politics, economics, law and the arts, citing Jaitley and economist Sanjeev Sanyal as examples of the college’s far-reaching influence. Modi used contemporary language to describe the alumni’s stature, calling them, in his words, the college’s original icons.

A Fond, Repeated Anecdote

Turning to more personal recollections, Modi recalled that Jaitley, an SRCC alumnus himself, rarely met him without bringing up memories from his college years. According to Modi, Jaitley would recount the same college-day incident so often across their meetings that it would occasionally leave the Prime Minister mildly exasperated, though the anecdote clearly held a special place in his memory of their friendship.

The centenary event was marked by ceremonial commemorations, including the unveiling of a special Rs 100 coin and a postage stamp to honour SRCC’s hundred years of academic contribution and leadership development. Modi’s remarks blended institutional tribute with a personal tribute to Jaitley, who passed away in 2019 and remains closely associated with the college’s legacy.

The centenary celebrations drew alumni, faculty and dignitaries who reflected on SRCC’s century-long journey as one of India’s premier commerce institutions.