CHENNAI, September 17, 2026 – Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman delivered a strong appeal to the ‘Gen Z’ and ‘Gen Alpha’ generations on Tuesday, urging them to prioritize the nation, exercise patience, and avoid making impulsive decisions. Speaking at the 36th convocation ceremony of the Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute in Chennai, where 3,200 students graduated, Sitharaman addressed the educated youth, calling on them to understand their critical role in contributing to India’s future. Emphasizing the need for steady leadership from the younger generations, she stated, “My request to Gen Z is that we should not give up our country,” reassuring them that the government is ready to listen and engage with their concerns.
Highlighting the current geopolitical landscape, the Finance Minister compared the ongoing global uncertainty—stemming from the Ukraine-Russia war, the Israel-Iran conflict, and tensions involving the US and Middle Eastern nations—to the volatile eras of the First and Second World Wars. Despite India’s reliance on imports such as gas, crude oil, and fertilizers from these conflict-ridden regions, she noted that the country has successfully shielded its citizens from the severe global fallout. Sitharaman attributed this resilience and India’s impressive 7.8% economic growth to the stable leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pointing out that while the external atmosphere remains turbulent, India continues to offer a secure and thriving environment for its youth.
Addressing employment and technological advancements, Sitharaman painted a highly optimistic picture of the opportunities available within the country, particularly in Tamil Nadu. She highlighted the state’s significant industrial growth, citing Sriperumbudur and Oragadam as hubs hosting companies with the largest exports of cars and mobile phones. Furthermore, she noted that Tamil Nadu currently houses 350 Global Capability Centres (GCCs)—accounting for 10% of the national total—with cities like Coimbatore, Madurai, and Trichy emerging as major employment clusters. Touching upon the rapid evolution of technology, the Finance Minister also stressed the unavoidable impact of Artificial Intelligence, declaring that AI training must become universal, as there will soon be no profession untouched by its influence.
Published by True Roots Media Network