It was nothing less than a festival for 133 crore Indians last night, when their valiant hero, Wing Commander – Abhinandan Varthaman put his first foot on the Indian soil at around 9:30 p.m., after surviving 60 hours in the enemy’s territory.
Dressed in a dark blue jacket, white shirt and khakhi trousers, he was handed over to India by Pakistan at the Attari-Wagah Border.
Thousands of Indians from different territories had gathered at the Attari-Wagah Border, with respect in their heart and garlands in their hands, for the national hero. The entire nation stayed glued to their TV sets, watching every moment, as Abhinandan entered the motherland.
Addressing the media at the border, Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor said, “Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman has just been handed over to us as per protocol. He will be taken for a detailed medical check-up. The officer has had to eject from a plane which would have put his body under immense strain;”
The first reaction of Abhinav Varthaman on home coming was, “It’s good to be back in my country.”
Welcoming Abhinandan, the Prime Minister of India – Narendra Modi tweeted, “Welcome Home Wing Commander #Abhinandan! The nation is proud of your exemplary courage. Our armed forces are an inspiration for 130 crore Indians. Vande Mataram!”
After a brief meeting with his family, Abhinandan was immediately taken to Delhi, for thorough medical examination. Scans will be conducted to check if he has been bugged by the Pakistani Army. Abhinandan will also have to undergo a psychological test as he has lived through traumatic situations.
Nation praises the warrior
The moment Abhinandan reached India, people from all walks of life – politics, sports, business, Bollywood, started expressing their happiness and gratitude towards the Wing Commander.
The President of India – Ram Nath Kovind wrote on twitter, “Welcome home Wing Commander #AbhinandanVarthaman! India is proud of your courage and sense of duty, and above all your dignity. Wishing you and our entire Air Force every success in the future.”
The President of Indian National Congress – Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “Wing Cdr. Abhinandan, your dignity, poise and bravery made us all proud. Welcome back and much love.”
Unveiling a special jersey with Abhinandan’s name, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) tweeted, “#WelcomeHomeAbhinandan You rule the skies and you rule our hearts. Your courage and dignity will inspire generations to come.”
Sachin Tendulkar said, “A hero is more than just four letters. Through his courage, selflessness and perseverance, OUR HERO teaches us to have faith in ourselves.”
Shah Rukh Khan wrote, “There is no better feeling than Coming back Home, for home is the place of love, hope & dreams. Ur bravery makes us stronger. Eternally grateful.”
Indian Wrestler – Sushil Kumar said, “Welcome back Wing Commander Abhinandan.. you are our Real HERO.. The country salutes you for your bravery #Respect #WelcomeBackAbinandan Jai Hind.”
Former Chief minister of Uttar Pradesh and President of Samajwadi Party – Akhilesh Yadav said, “I look forward to welcoming brave heart Wing Commander Abhinandan home. We will never forget the supreme sacrifice of our brave martyrs and their families. Pak should walk the talk on dismantling it’s home grown terror networks. I hope that peace prevails.
