Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace for successfully launching Vikram-1, India's first privately developed orbital rocket, and praised the team's young innovators, saying the achievement reflected the limitless potential of the country's youth.
Addressing the media ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, PM Modi said the average age of the Skyroot team was just 28 years and quipped that he was "not talking about a 56-year-old youth."
"The youngsters working at Skyroot, their average age is just 28 years. These youngsters have done this work. I am not talking about a 56-year-old youth; I am talking about the youth with an average age of 28 years, who have held India's flag high on the international level," he said.
Recalling India's recent achievements, the Prime Minister said that before last year's Monsoon Session, an Indian had reached the International Space Station (ISS), while this year Skyroot successfully launched Vikram-1 under Mission Aagaman. He said these milestones, along with other national achievements, have made every Indian proud.
PM Modi added that the country's youth have demonstrated that their potential and aspirations are "as boundless as space itself", calling it one of the most inspiring messages for the nation. He also highlighted other recent accomplishments, including the inauguration of a major oil refinery in Rajasthan, the dedication of India's third semiconductor plant, and the launch of a green hydrogen-powered train. He credited these achievements to the collective efforts of scientists, engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs and workers.
The Prime Minister also highlighted India's economic resilience, saying the country recorded a 7.7 per cent growth rate despite the ongoing crisis in West Asia, which has disrupted global energy supplies and impacted countries dependent on imports of crude oil, LPG, fertilisers and chemicals.
"Despite this, India has maintained a growth rate of 7.7 per cent, emerging as the fastest-growing major economy in the world," he said, adding that the performance reflected India's inherent strength and the determination to achieve new milestones.
Calling for a constructive Monsoon Session, PM Modi urged Members of Parliament to ensure meaningful debates based on facts and logic. He said Parliament should provide a platform for voices committed to nation-building and emphasised that experienced lawmakers, irrespective of party lines, have an important role to play in guiding the country.
"The country's youth, who are full of aspirations, demand that we move forward," he said, expressing hope that every voice would be heard, every idea respected, and discussions in Parliament would contribute positively to the nation's progress.
