‘Not talking about 56-year-old youth…’: PM Modi hails Skyroot’s Vikram-1 launch — with a dig at Rahul Gandhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday lauded the youth of the country as he hailed the successful launch of a rocket backed by Hyderabad-based space start-up Skyroot Aerospace. The remarks from the prime minister came during his customary address ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

While lauding the feat, PM Modi also appeared to take pot shots at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, noting that the mission involved a team of young innovators with an average age of 28 years, "not some 56-year-old youth". "India's youth have embarked on a new journey into space. I was told that the average age of the entire team working at the 'Skyroot' startup is merely 28 years. Young people like these have accomplished this feat. I am not speaking of a 56-year-old youth," PM Modi averred.

While the prime minister did not name Rahul Gandhi, the jibe was apparently directed at the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, who is 56-years-old. The prime minister went on to expand on the achievements of India.

"Few countries in the world have witnessed such private enterprise. India's youth have embarked on a new journey into space. It is a tremendous success... India's global profile is gaining universal recognition and acceptance. This is no coincidence; it is a powerful message that the potential and aspirations of our country's youth are as boundless as space itself," PM Modi said.

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PM Modi recalls India's milestones

In his address, the prime minister emphasised that the past month had been marked by a series of milestones that had enhanced India's standing both at home and abroad. "In just one month, the nation has achieved numerous milestones, a series of accomplishments that fill every citizen with pride. Be it on the national stage, the international arena, or now, even in space, these have truly been moments of pride for India," the prime minister said.

"Very few countries in the world possess this facility. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of India's scientists, engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs and workers, all of whom are living and working with a shared goal for the nation," he said.

PM Modi also equated these achievements to the government's reform agenda. He said that the country's young innovators were benefiting from an ecosystem created through sustained policy reforms. "It is the result of the country boarding the Reform Express that India's youth are able to show such great courage and achieve success," he said.

PM Modi also lauded India's economic performance and maintained that it reflected India's resilience and ambition, adding that Parliament's Monsoon Session was beginning at a time when the country had gathered momentum across sectors.