The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the programme on Friday, saying Modi would participate in the centenary celebrations and address the gathering at the University of Delhi college. The timing places the event at the centre of SRCC’s year-long observance of 100 years since its establishment in 1926.
The official announcement highlighted the coincidence with Teachers’ Day, which is observed across the country on September 5, the birth anniversary of former president and scholar Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. The Prime Minister’s Office said the occasion carried added significance as the country honoured teachers and educators for shaping generations and strengthening the foundations of society.
SRCC, a constituent college of the University of Delhi, specialises in commerce, economics and management and is marking its centenary through a series of academic, institutional and alumni events. The college’s own centenary programme describes 2026 as the completion of a century of teaching and institution-building.
The college was founded in 1926 by industrialist and philanthropist Sir Shri Ram. It began as Commercial College before developing into a degree institution and was renamed Shri Ram College of Commerce in 1951. SRCC moved to the University of Delhi’s North Campus in 1954, where it is located at Maurice Nagar.
Saturday’s programme will also bring Modi back to a campus he visited in February 2013, when he was chief minister of Gujarat. His appearance then drew wide attention because it was one of his major engagements with university students before the 2014 general election. The centenary visit will be his first appearance at the college as Prime Minister.
Modi has maintained contact with the institution during its centenary year. A delegation from SRCC, including members of its governing body, met him earlier this year as part of the anniversary observances. A commemorative postage stamp was also released to mark the college’s 100th anniversary.
The centenary calendar formally began with a curtain-raiser at the college in January and has since included academic and community-facing activities. SRCC says the anniversary is intended to connect students, faculty, former students and institutional partners with its century-long development. The college also released a centenary logo during the anniversary cycle, while its governing body has overseen programmes designed to extend commemorative events through 2026.
Preparations at the campus have included tighter security and controlled access ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit. Students have been informed of administrative arrangements linked to the centenary commemoration, while entry for the evening programme is being regulated because of the security requirements surrounding the event.
A student group affiliated with the Aam Aadmi Party has separately announced a protest outside the college earlier on Saturday. The Association of Students for Alternative Politics said it planned to demonstrate from 10 am. The protest is distinct from the official centenary programme scheduled for the evening.
The event comes as universities and colleges across the country observe Teachers’ Day with ceremonies honouring educators. President Droupadi Murmu has also used this year’s observance to underline the role of teachers in developing talent and character, while urging educators to adapt to technological and social change.
SRCC says its centenary celebrations are being organised across the year rather than as a single commemorative function. Its programme includes ceremonies, conferences, sporting events and alumni engagement, reflecting the institution’s academic and extracurricular development over the past century.
The college’s centenary materials trace several milestones, including the introduction of commerce and economics programmes, postgraduate teaching, hostel facilities and the expansion of campus infrastructure. The institution currently offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and has built a national reputation particularly in commerce and economics education.
The Prime Minister’s scheduled address is expected to be the principal event of Saturday’s centenary programme. The official release did not specify the themes Modi would cover in his speech or announce any new policy initiative connected with the college.
