For the past couple of days, Indians and some Pakistanis have held their breath as IAF Pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was captured by the Pakistan Army when his fighter jet crash-landed on to the Pakistani soil. This happened after his MiG 21 had shot down Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jet during the fierce engagement on the two countries’ airforces.
However, on Thursday, the Pakistani Prime Minister, Imran Khan announced his release as a ‘gesture of peace’. While the government from the other side of the border had refused the Indian Government’s request to send the pilot back by a special flight, they agreed to release him through the Wagah-Attari border. People anticipating our national hero’s return gathered at Wagah as early as 4 AM to celebrate him and his immense courage. However, in anticipation of his return, the daily beating retreat and band ceremony at Wagah Border was cancelled to avoid media and crowd frenzy.
Now, we’re so glad to announce that Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman is back where he belongs – on Indian soil. He’s back amongst his people and to say that we’re grateful and happy would be an understatement. This can be witnessed by the fact that Twitter cannot help celebrating. Have a look!
1. Look At All These People At Wagah Border
Look at this huge crowd waiting at Wagah Border for Wing Commander Abhinandan’s welcome. #WelcomeHomeAbhinandan pic.twitter.com/Esbi6qYKEk
— Meet dholakiya (@mkdholakiya15) March 1, 2019
2. People From Across The Border Wanted His Release As Much As We Did
Earlier today there protests outside Lahore Press Club in Pakistan demanding release of Indian pilot #WingCommanderAbhinandan.#NoToWar pic.twitter.com/UqDrcxdhL0
— Geeta Mohan گیتا موہن गीता मोहन (@Geeta_Mohan) February 28, 2019
3. SRK Led The Bollywood In Cheering For His Return
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. #WelcomeBackAbhinandan pic.twitter.com/NFTRINu6Mw
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) March 1, 2019
4. Varun Dhawan Just Couldn’t Help Himself
Welcome back home #WelcomeBackAbinandan a true hero. These humane actions give hope that all humanity is not lost. Bharat mata ki Jai
— Varun Dhawan (@Varun_dvn) March 1, 2019
5. Saina Nehwal Welcomed Back Our Hero
Welcome back our hero 💪💪… #WingCommandarAbhinandan 🙏 #IndianAirfoce
— Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) March 1, 2019
6. Priety Zinta Was Awake & Wishing The Best For Abhinandan
It’s midnight & I cannot sleep. I’m so happy that #AbhinandanVartaman is going to be coming home. I can only imagine what his family feels right now. Every minute will feel like a lifetime & the heart will skip many beats. #WelcomeBackAbhinandan 🙏 We salute your bravery & valour
— Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) March 1, 2019
7. Virender Sehwag Commended His Courage
How proud we are to have you ! Bow down to your skills and even more your grit and courage 🙏 #WelcomeBackAbhinandan . We love you and are filled with pride because of you.#WeAreSupposedToTellYouThis pic.twitter.com/IfqBFNNa3T
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) March 1, 2019
8. Riteish Deshmukh Was All Emotions
Welcome Back Home Dear #Abhinanadan – we salute your courage, bravery & service to our nation. 🇮🇳 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) March 1, 2019
9. Aaditya Thackeray Really Couldn’t Hide His Pride
Wing Commander Abhinandan, a true Bharat Ratna in every sense. Awaiting his return with a huge sense of pride, not just relief, like every Indian today. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
— Aaditya Thackeray (@AUThackeray) March 1, 2019
10. Raveena Tandon Was Keeping Tabs On Each Movement!
Glued to our TVs to catch a glimpse of our Hero’s return! The way you stayed calm, professional & respectful during such adversities talks so much about your bravery. Such a proud feeling, welcome back wing commander. #WelcomeHomeAbhinandan.🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🇮🇳🇮🇳gratefully yours !
— Raveena Tandon (@TandonRaveena) March 1, 2019
Images: NDTV, DNA India
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