Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took a veiled swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi while lauding the young team behind Skyroot Aerospace's successful Vikram-1 launch.
"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," Modi told reporters ahead of the commencement of the monsoon session of Parliament.
"I am not speaking of a 56-year-old youth," he remarked, in an apparent jibe at Gandhi, who turned 56 last month.
Calling for constructive debates during the session, the prime minister urged Members of Parliament to contribute positively and put their experience to use for the country's progress.
"I am firmly convinced that where there are facts and logic, there is no room for a storm," he said.
Emphasising the importance of reasoned discussions, Modi said Parliament should provide space for every voice and every idea. "When arguments and facts are sound, one can make one's voice heard effectively even with a calm demeanour. I hope the House's deliberations will be enriched by such arguments and facts," he said.
The monsoon session, which will run from July 20 to August 13, is expected to begin on a stormy note, with the Opposition preparing to corner the government over issues including the NEET examination controversy and the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Temple.
Addressing the media, Modi highlighted the recent achievements in infrastructure and technology and said India's youth were reaping the benefits of sustained reforms.
"It is because the country boarded the Reform Express that India's youth are demonstrating such courage and achieving remarkable success," he said.
Modi also referred to the recent inauguration of a major oil refinery in Rajasthan and a semiconductor plant in Gujarat. He further highlighted the launch of India's hydrogen-powered train, claiming that only a handful of countries possess such technology.
"The hydrogen train that India has introduced features the world's most powerful hydrogen engine and is the longest train of its kind," he said, attributing these achievements to the collective efforts of the country's scientists, engineers, innovators, entrepreneurs and workers.
