Amritsar, Attari-Wagah Border. All eyes from home and abroad were tuned in to their television sets all day today to catch a glimpse of the homecoming of a real hero, 35 year old Wing Commander, Abhinandan Varthaman.
Despite the ceremonial Beating Retreat Ceremony at the Wagah Border being cancelled, people poured in from all over, some with garlands, some with the tri-colour flag, some playing the dhol and damau braving the cold and rain, anxiously awaiting WC Abhi to cross the border all day today.
Abhinadan or ‘Abhi’as he is fondly called by his loved ones, overwhelmed a nation with his courage, fortitude and grace in enemy captivity. On his late night return, Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor addressed the media, “Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman has been handed over to us. We will be taking him for a medical check up which is mandatory because the officer ejected from his plane. Indian Airforce is happy to have him back.“
Yesterday at 16:28 IST Pakistan Prime Minister, Imran Khan announced a ‘Peace gesture’ of returning captured Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Abhinandan Varthaman. Within seconds the announcement was greeted jubilantly across the globe. Politicians, citizens, netizens rejoiced the news of the possible homecoming of their hero.
Taken into custody by Pakistan on Wednesday when his parachute wafted by the wind, landed on the other side of the Line of Control as he ejected from his MiG-21 before successfully targeting the Pakistani F-16.
Soon after being taken into custody, a short video clip of Wing Commander Abhinandan sipping a cup of tea on the other side of the border went viral. His cool demeanor, confidence and chivalry won him instant fame and fan following across all ages.
The pilot’s proud and relieved father S Varthaman stated to the media “just look at the way he talked so bravely. A true soldier. We are so proud of him.”
His parents Dr. Shobha Varthaman and Air Marshal S. Varthaman took a late night flight from Chennai to Delhi. Video and pictures of the parents receiving a standing ovation, with cheers and claps from co-passengers went viral within minutes of being shared on social media.
His returning home safe and sound is seen by many as a positive sign of de-escalation of tension on our borders.
