PM Modi Saw Sun's Power Before Others, Says Union Minister at SRCC

Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi on Saturday credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for recognizing the potential of solar energy and turning it into a national advantage. Speaking at the centenary celebrations of Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) in Delhi, Joshi said, "The sun was there even before 2014... But the Prime Minister recognised the power of that sun — S-U-N, sun."

Joshi highlighted that India's solar energy capacity has surged from just 2.6 gigawatts before 2014 to 165 gigawatts today. He attributed this growth to the PM's vision, which has not only reduced electricity costs but also benefited the environment.

The minister also noted that PM Modi visited SRCC as Chief Minister in 2013 and returned as Prime Minister for the first time during the centenary year. He praised the institution for maintaining its reputation over a century and reminded students of their role in building a developed India by 2047.

On education, Joshi said higher education enrollment has reached 4.5 crore, an increase of one crore in the last decade. He credited the National Education Policy and the Modi government's focus on skilling for making India the third-largest startup ecosystem, with over 2.3 lakh startups today compared to fewer than 400 before 2016.

Joshi also pointed to India's economic growth of 7.8% in the first quarter of 2026, calling it the fastest-growing economy amid global crises. He added that 99% of mobile phones used in India are now manufactured domestically and exported.

Highlighting the need for skilled human resources, the minister said India's young population presents a golden opportunity. He noted that total electricity generation capacity has risen from 249 GW in 2014 to 552 GW, with 302 GW from non-fossil sources.

Concluding, Joshi remarked, "Those who were there before were chasing the sun, and the sun stopped, that is why the country is moving forward."