New Delhi: After IAF pilot Abhinandan returned to India from Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the courage and valour of the captured Indian Air Force pilot as he said that the word “Abhinandan” used to mean welcome, but its meaning would change now.
“The world takes note of what India does… India has the strength to change the meaning of words in the dictionary… Abhinandan once used to mean welcome. And now the meaning of Abhinandan will change”, PM Modi said referring to Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.
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The 35-year-old Air Force pilot was shot down on Wednesday while flying a MiG-21 fighter in a dogfight with Pakistani aircraft and captured. His first words when he walked across from the Pakistani side through the Attari-Wagah border were, “It is good to be back in my country”, an official told reporters last night.
PM Modi on Friday night tweeted welcoming the Wing Commander. “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!” the PM had 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!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 1, 2019