Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi congratulated Manushi Chhillar on Sunday on being crowned as Miss World 2017, saying country’s future lies in the indomitable spirit and excellence of our youth.

“Congratulations to Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar on her achievement. Our young achievers make us proud. India’s future lies in the indomitable spirit & excellence of our youth,” Gandhi tweeted.

Congratulations to Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar on her achievement. Our young achievers make us proud. India’s future lies in the indomitable spirit & excellence of our youth.

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— Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) November 19, 2017

The 20-year-old medical student from Haryana, Chhillar, won the coveted crown at a grand event in China on Saturday, bringing to an end the country’s dry spell of 17 years at the top pageant contest.

Aishwarya Rai had bagged the title in 1994, followed by Diana Hayden in 1997, Yukta Mookhey in 1999 and Priyanka Chopra in 2000.

Photos| Miss World 2017: All you need to need to know about Manushi Chhillar

She edged out four other top contestants from England, France, Kenya and Mexico at the event, which saw participation from over 100 countries.

During the customary round of questions Manushi Chillar was asked: Which profession deserves the highest salary and why?

Chillar said, “I think a mother deserves the highest respect and when you talk about salary it’s not always about cash but I feel it’s the love and respect that you give to someone. My mother has always been the biggest inspiration in my life. All mothers sacrifice so much for their kids. So, I think it is the job of a mother that deserves the highest salary.”

A trained Indian classical dancer, Chhillar has a passion for outdoor sports and actively participates in paragliding, bungee jumping, snorkelling and scuba diving besides sketching and painting.

Her personal motto, as described on the website, reads: “When you cease to dream you cease to live” and “Courage to give flight to your dreams and the ability to believe in yourself makes life worth living”.

Chhillar is the sixth Indian to win the coveted crown, which was first won by Reita Faria back in 1966.

Earlier, President of India Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Manushi Chhillar for winning the Miss World pageant in China.

“Best wishes to Manushi Chhillar for winning the Miss World title. May this inspire every young woman in our country to achieve her dreams, in whichever field she chooses,” Kovind tweeted.

Best wishes to Manushi Chhillar for winning the Miss World title. May this inspire every young woman in our country to achieve her dreams, in whichever field she chooses

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 19, 2017

On Saturday night, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: “Congratulations Manushi Chhillar! India is proud of your accomplishment.”

Congratulations @ManushiChhillar! India is proud of your accomplishment.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 18, 2017

(With agency inputs)