November 22, 2021. Not just any other day. Not just another day of the week. Since when have Mondays become happy days, days that bring meaning and a reason to rejoice? But then something so special has happened today that it shall not be forgotten anytime soon.
Common are occasions when we, whether as individuals or as families, bow down in respect to do “Aadar and Abhinandan” for the guests, but rare are occasions where the country tips its hat to someone whose name is Abhinandan.
That’s precisely why November 22, 2021 will be regarded as the occasion where India united in extending warmth and respect to a brave son of her by the name of Abhinandan Varthaman.
A reason that will certainly bring a smile to the entirety of the Indian Air Force. An occasion that must be cherished by the country for whom, two years back in the day, Abhinandan Varthaman fired a Pakistani F-16 during the skirmish involved in the Balakot strike.
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By extending the Vir Chakra, one of the most treasured and valued military decorations in the Indian history, the country has recognized a man widely discussed and passionately so in the last two years. The brave son, who united the country by his welcome and highly anticipated return to India after Pakistani Army decided to hand him over to the country.
Having said that, some important news updates emerged on the award ceremony involving Abhinandan Varthaman as he was awarded the prestigious Vir Chakra in a decorated ceremony earlier today, i.e., November 22, 2021 at the famous Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
Here is what NDTV.com had to say about the ceremony:
Displaying exceptional air combat acumen and knowledge of the enemy’s tactics, Abhinandan scanned the low-altitude airspace with his airborne intercept (AI) radar and picked up an enemy aircraft that was flying low to ambush the Indian fighter interceptor aircraft… Abhinandan alerted the other formation pilots towards this surprise threat.”
At that time, he had been serving the country in the capacity of a wing commander and then got promoted to the famous rank of group captain. The rank of the group captain is equivalent to that of the Indian Army’s colonel.
Moving on, it’s important to note that the most recent winner of the Vir Chakra, Abhinandan Varthaman, has been based in the state of Rajasthan, where he is serving the country by working with the Air Force’s Frontline unit.
It’s only fair to recollect the special moment wherein the brave Air Force fighter pilot, who hails from the state of Tamil Nadu had returned to a hero’s welcome to India, on the occasion of his handover to the nation by Pakistan. A moment summed up beautifully by India Today, who had the following to say:
During his release, Abhinandan held his head high and walked towards the Indian side of the Wagah-Attari border with a smile on his face.
One reckons, the Vir Chakra-winner’s feat will surely and truly inspire the remainder of the country to work toward India’s cause. To serve the nation in any possible manner that helps uphold the dignity of a country that has always given so much and to so many, without ever asking anything in return. Can we all join hands in admiration to cheer for Shri Abhinandan Varthaman and his beloved motherland, India!