PM Modi's Gen Z Shoutout Sparks Conversation on India's Identity
· design
The OGs Have Spoken: What PM Modi’s Shoutout to SRCC Alumni Reveals About India’s Identity Crisis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) in Delhi to celebrate its centenary year. His presence was notable, but it was his words that sparked a conversation about the country’s identity crisis.
During his speech, Modi referred to SRCC alumni as “OGs” – a slang term used to describe original gangsters or pioneers in a particular field. This nod to Gen Z language and culture may have been intended as a way to connect with the younger generation, but it raises questions about India’s struggle to define its own identity.
India has long grappled with the tension between traditional values and modernization. This has led to a sense of disconnection among Indians, particularly the youth, who are torn between their heritage and aspirations for a more cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Modi’s efforts to use Gen Z language and culture as a tool for his politics are symptomatic of this larger issue. By trying to connect with the youth through social media and slang terms, Modi risks reinforcing the perception that Indian politicians are out of touch with their constituents’ needs and aspirations.
The centenary celebrations provided an opportunity for Modi to reflect on SRCC’s legacy and its contributions to India’s development. He praised generations of students who excelled in diverse fields, but his comments also highlighted the need for leaders to think beyond party affiliations and recognize the achievements of those who have made significant contributions to the country.
Arun Jaitley, a former Union minister and SRCC alumnus, is an example of this need. Modi recalled how Jaitley often shared stories about his college days, highlighting the importance of preserving institutions like SRCC that produce outstanding leaders and professionals.
As India continues to navigate its identity crisis, leaders must recognize the value of institutions like SRCC, which embody the country’s rich cultural heritage and aspirations for modernization. By acknowledging and building on these strengths, Indian politicians can work towards creating a more inclusive and diverse society that truly represents the country’s identity.
The celebration at SRCC was not just about marking a milestone; it was also an opportunity for Modi to rebrand himself as a leader who understands and connects with the youth. However, this attempt will only be successful if he is willing to engage with the complexities of India’s identity crisis and work towards creating a more inclusive society.
As the country looks ahead to its next general elections, it remains to be seen whether Modi’s efforts will pay off. One thing is certain – that Indian leaders must continue to engage with the complexities of their own identity and recognize the value of institutions like SRCC in shaping the country’s future.
The centenary celebrations serve as a reminder that India’s identity crisis is far from over. As the country continues to navigate its complex cultural landscape, it is essential for its leaders to think beyond party affiliations and work towards creating a more inclusive society – one that truly reflects the diversity and richness of Indian culture.
India’s future will be shaped by how effectively its leaders engage with this identity crisis. Will they continue to try and co-opt the language and culture of Gen Z, or will they take a step back to reflect on what it means to be an Indian in today’s globalized world? The OGs are watching, and they’re not going away anytime soon.
Reader Views
- TDTheo D. · type designer
Modi's attempt to co-opt Gen Z slang as a PR stunt is nothing new in India's struggle for identity. But what's striking about his SRCC visit is how little substance he brought to the table despite referencing the college's rich legacy. By highlighting individual achievements rather than systemic problems, Modi sidesteps the need for meaningful policy change. The real challenge lies not in appropriating language but in addressing the pressing issues that have left India's youth disillusioned and disconnected from its institutions.
- NFNoa F. · graphic designer
Modi's foray into Gen Z slang is a desperate attempt to seem hip to a generation that doesn't care about his party politics. But beneath the surface, this calculated move reveals a deeper problem: India's inability to define its own cultural identity. By co-opting Western terms like "OGs," Modi risks erasing the nuances of Indian culture and perpetuating a homogenized global narrative. What's more concerning is that this isn't just about Modi – it's about the broader failure of Indian leaders to engage with the country's diverse experiences, languages, and traditions in a meaningful way.
- TSThe Studio Desk · editorial
While PM Modi's attempt to connect with Gen Z through colloquialisms is understandable, it oversimplifies India's identity crisis. By reducing the complexity of the nation's heritage and modernization tensions to a social media-savvy gesture, Modi misses an opportunity to genuinely engage with the youth on more substantial issues. Instead, he reinforces the perception that Indian politics is driven by superficial gestures rather than meaningful change. What's missing from this conversation is the need for PM Modi to not just acknowledge India's diversity but also address its deep-seated economic and social inequalities.