The praise for IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman's bravery, grace and valour continued on Saturday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself making an apparent reference to the pilot by saying that the Sanskrit word "Abhinandan" used to mean welcome but it would acquire a new meaning now.
He also said that the world takes note of what India does and the nation has the power to "change dictionary meanings" due to what has transpired over past couple of days.
PM Modi's comments came a day after Abhinandan returned to home after being held in Pakistan's captivity for nearly three days. The Prime Minister was addressing the Construction Technology India Event, 2019 event at VigyanBhavan.
Indicating that the international community takes the country seriously, PM Modi said, "Whatever India does, world watches it closely….It is the power of this nation that it changes the meaning of words. Abhinandan used to mean congratulation, now Abhinandan will have a new meaning."
Union Road, Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari also praised Abhinandan saying the exemplary bravery and commitment to the nation displayed by Abhinandan is a source of inspiration for the youth. "The safe return of our brave Wing Commander is a matter of much happiness and relief for India. The exemplary bravery and commitment to the nation shown by him will inspire our youth," Gadkari said.
Extending his best wishes to him, Gadkari said what else could bring more happiness than his safe return with full pride.
The 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 had welcomed the Wing Commander back with a tweet last night. "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. While India ruled out any negotiation for the IAF pilot, at the same time, it asserted that it was Pakistan's responsibility to follow guidelines under Geneva Conventions. India categorically stated if Wing Commander Abhinandan was harmed or not released, there would be severe consequences.