PM Modi Drops 'First in My Bloodline' at IIT Delhi Convocation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a memorable appearance at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi convocation ceremony, where he surprised the audience by invoking a phrase widely popular among India's younger generation — 'First in my bloodline' — to acknowledge students who are the first in their families to earn a degree from a premier institution.

What Is the 'First in My Bloodline' Trend?

The phrase 'First in my bloodline' has gained significant traction on Indian social media platforms, particularly among Gen Z users, as a way to celebrate being the first person in one's family to achieve a significant milestone — such as graduating from a prestigious university, cracking a competitive entrance exam, or securing a professional degree. By using this expression at IIT Delhi, PM Modi signalled an awareness of the cultural language of today's youth.

PM Modi's Message to IIT Delhi Graduates

Addressing the graduating batch at IIT Delhi, the Prime Minister emphasised that education is not just a personal achievement but a transformational force that can change the trajectory of entire families and communities. He encouraged graduates who were the first in their families to reach this level to take pride in their accomplishment and to see themselves as torchbearers for future generations.

IIT Delhi, one of India's most prestigious Institutes of National Importance, annually produces thousands of engineers, technologists, and researchers who contribute to India's growth across sectors. The convocation ceremony is one of the most significant events in the institute's academic calendar.

Why This Moment Resonated

The Prime Minister's use of Gen Z language at one of India's top technical institutions was widely noted for its intent to bridge the gap between national leadership and young aspirants. For many students from rural areas, small towns, and economically weaker sections who crack the JEE Advanced and earn a seat at an IIT, the achievement is indeed a first in their family's history.

• IIT Delhi is ranked among the top engineering institutions in India and Asia.
• The institute offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes across engineering, science, and humanities.
• First-generation learners form a significant portion of students at IITs, supported by scholarship and fee-waiver schemes.
• PM Modi has previously addressed IIT and IIM convocations, often using motivational messaging tailored to young graduates.

Scholarships and Support for First-Generation Learners at IITs

Students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education can explore several central government and institute-level financial support options. The Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships and IIT-specific need-based aid programmes are available for eligible candidates. Students seeking more information on financial assistance at top engineering colleges can visit CollegeUnify Scholarships for a consolidated guide.

For the official IIT Delhi website and further details about its academic programmes, visit IIT Delhi Official Website.