Pilot’s family serving India for generations

Chennai/Mumbai, Feb 28

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The father of Abhinandan Varthaman, captured by Pakistan after an air combat, today said he was proud of his son’s bravery and thanked the people for their support and good wishes.

In a statement, Abhinandan’s father S Varthaman, who was an Air Marshal, referred to a purported video of his son after his capture, and said he spoke like a “true soldier” despite being in captivity and that he was praying he would not get tortured in the neighbouring country and return home “safe and sound”. In the evening, India erupted in joy when Pakistan PM Imran Khan announced that Abhinandan would be released tomorrow as a “gesture of peace”.

The family of Abhinandan has an excellent track record of serving the IAF for generations since the second World War and his father besides being an ace pilot was a consultant for Mani Ratnam’s film “Kaatru Veliyidai”. “Thank you my friends for your concern and wishes. I thank God for his blessings, Abhi is alive, not injured, sound in mind, just look at the way he talked so bravely...a true soldier...we are so proud of him,” he said.

“I am sure all your hands and blessings are on his head...prayers for his safe return. I pray that he does not get tortured and comes home safe and sound in body and mind,” said the veteran IAF personnel, whose father was also an air warrior.

He thanked the people for being with the family in the hour of need. “We draw our strengths from your support and energy,” he said.

Meanwhile, well wishers and politicians continued to express solidarity with the pilot’s family. Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar was among those who met the family at their Chennai residence. Jayakumar lauded the captive IAF officer’s parents for their courage adding it was unforgettable. Local MLA SR Raaja, Lok Sabha MP KN Ramachandran and other VIPs visited Varthaman’s residence. — PTI