Captured Indian Air Force pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, returned home to a grand welcome on Friday, 1 March. He was received by a team of the Indian Air Force at the Wagah Border.
From President Kovind to PM Narendra Modi to Congress President Rahul Gandhi to several other political leaders from across the spectrum embraced the pilot’s return.
Congress President Rahul Gandhi praised the pilot’s poise and said, “Wing Cdr. Abhinandan, your dignity, poise and bravery made us all proud. Welcome back and much love.”
Home Minister Rajnath Singh also extended his wishes and said, “Welcome Home! The entire Nation is proud of Wing Commander Abhinandan.”
‘Abhinandan’ Bharat!
Praising Abhinandan, Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari said he is an inspiration for youngsters to serve the country.
Maharastra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis embraced the pilot with a rather quirky tweet. “ ‘Abhinandan’ Bharat ! Our Abhinandan is back with us!” he said.
‘India’s Hero Returns Home’
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee welcomed Abhinandan’s return.
Congress MP and spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi praised the pilot by posting a poem on Twitter.
“Your indomitable courage & dignified poise in face of adversity has won hearts & minds of all Indians,” Congress MLA Randeep Singh Surjewala said.
Meanwhile, a Trivandrum hotel welcomed Abhinandan in a unique way, with a doodle of the pilot captioned: "A cup of tea can stop the war.”
‘Hardik Abhinandan’
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan welcomed the pilot and said, “It is heartening to learn about the release of IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. He has inspired the entire country with his bravery and conduct.”
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, too, hailed the pilot’s bravery.
‘Happy You Have Come Home to My Homeland’
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor thanked the IAF pilot and said, "I am glad you have come home to our homeland, I am happy."
“Hardik Abhinandan!” Union Minister of Food Processing Harsimrat Kaur Badal said, welcoming the braveheart home.
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