Wing Commander Abhinandan’s Air Marshal father: ‘My son talked like true soldier, hope he returns home safe’  

Air Marshal Simhakutty Varthaman.

The father of Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, captured by Pakistan after an aerial engagement between the two countries, on Thursday, said he is proud of his son’s bravery and hope for his safe return home. He also thanked citizens for their support and good wishes.  

Air Marshal Simhakutty Varthaman (retired), who himself is a decorated airman, in a statement, said, his son talked (in the videos released by Pakistan) like a “true soldier” despite being in captivity and the father is also praying he would not get tortured in the neighboring country and return home “safe and sound”.

The father said, “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. 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.”

The veteran IAF officer also thanked the citizens for the support in this hour of need. “We draw our strengths from your support and energy,” he said.

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