Indore: The news about return of IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman from Pakistan to India on Friday delighted every Indian as sense of pride and achievement prevailed in the city. From celebrations to warnings, Free Press brings you views expressed by officers, businessmen, women and youths.
Prayers
Abhinandan, God is with you everyone in India is praying for you! You are in my prayers. India is in my prayers. I am proud and happy that our great warrior has returned and we can hope for peace now.”— Padma Shri Janak Palta McGilligan
homecoming of a Real Hero!
I feel ecstatic. It was expected that our fighter commander Abhinandan will be freed and back. It is a matter of utmost pride for every Indian. Hats off to this government for initiating this movement and pressurising Pakistan at an international level. Our heads are high and heart is filled with joy.”——-Businessman, Ishan Pahwa
Abhinandan sets example
I am proud of having officers like Abhinandan in India. The officer has set an example for all of us to give all our might and fight for justice. He fought for country and maintained calm in difficult circumstances. I had been praying for him and I am glad he is back. I pray all goes well and situation in Kashmir also settles forever.” —-Commerce student Ankita Asrani
It is commendable
Country is rejoicing. It is motivating for Indian Air Force to have our officer back. It is a military and political win for India. We had to put pressure internationally to achieve this win. If we had Rafale aircrafts, then there wouldn’t have been a need to cross the border. The officer had to cross the border, which was about 70 kilometres whereas Rafale aircraft can shoot from a distance of 150 kilometres. Salute to the officer.—Dr SL Sharma, flight engineer at Indian naval aviation (retired)
Need to solve Kashmir problem
The officer’s effort and strength is commendable. The entire country is proud of having such an officer. He beat an advanced aircraft with a much older model by his skills and strength. I served in Indian army from 1962 to 2000. I had the opportunity to serve our country during 1962, 1965 and 1971 wars. I fought Kargil war and received Param Vishishtha Seva Medal(PVSM) by President of India. Now is the time to work on Kashmir problem.”—–Lt Gen S C Verma (retired)
Give freedom to military
It is an achievement that we were able to bring back our officer in a day’s time. During 1971 war, our officer was held back for 14 days. India has grown in power and strength. The win was possible because government gave freehand power to the military. Military should be given full freedom in such scenarios. We are happy and celebrating the moment.” —Retired Naval Officer OP Yadav
Stay United, time to be Alert
This is time for you and me to Stay Tough, Stay Strong. As our brave brother Wing Commander Abhinandan displayed exemplary courage in front of enemy. We must maintain same courage inside our nation. Enemy has already started psychological war by exploiting social media. Whole nation expressed solidarity by their emotions, feelings and statements. These emotions and feeling are most important and required at this point of time. But these feeling and emotions must be utilised to further boost the courage of our forces and political leadership.”—–Major Saurabh Sharma, (retired), Served in South Kashmir in Rashtriya Rifles & Infantry from 2000 to 2007