After being in Pakistan’s custody for two days, the Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan returned to Indian Soil on last Friday. Cooperators lost no time in welcoming Varthaman back to his country.
From NCUI President Chandra Pal Singh Yadav to IFFCO MD Dr U S Awasthi to NAFCUB President Jyotindra Mehta and several other cooperators from across the country welcomed the pilot’s return.
NCUI President Chandra Pal Singh said, “We are very happy to know that Abhinandan is back to the India Soil. I welcome him on behalf of cooperative fraternity”.
IFFCO MD Dr U S Awasthi wrote, “Welcome Back Home Wing Commander Abhinandan, Son of Indian soil. The entire nation is proud of your courage & strength you have shown in adverse conditions. Everyone in the country salutes your valour. #JaiJawan #JaiHindi #WelcomeHomeAbhinandan”.
Nafcub President Jyotindra Mehta wrote on his facebook wall, “Aaj, Bharat Abhinandan. Jaish Vs. Josh”.
Dileep Sanghani, President of NAFSCOB-apex body of co-op banks in the country hailed Varthaman back to his country and said “Entire nation is proud of you. India is glad to have you back. You have inspired the entire country with your bravery”.
Amul paid tribute to Wing Commander Abhinandan with the ‘mooch nahi toh kuch nahi’ campaign. The topical went viral in no time and garnered thousands of retweets and likes; it is a part of the cooperative’s “Mooch Nahi Toh Kuch Nahin” campaign and mentioned, “#Amul Mooch: To Abhinandan from Amul”.
It bears recall that the IAF officer was taken captive by Pakistan after his fighter jet crashed in the wake of dog fight with the neighboring country. He ejected but not before the brave pilot shot down enemy’s F-16.
Presently recuperating in an Army hospital in Delhi, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman is to be debriefed by top officials for a first-hand account of what happened to him and to glean any intelligence that he can provide.
However, there was a long wait for his homecoming at the Attari-Wagah border, from where he was to enter India, starting at about noon. The pilot eventually crossed over at about 9.30 pm on last Friday.