Welcome home, Abhinandan: Politicians and celebrities applaud India's 'brave son'

Indians welcomed Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman after he returned home safely on Friday night. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday announced that the Indian Air Force pilot will be released on Friday and returned to the country as a “gesture of peace”. After a long wait and rescheduling of arrival twice, Abhinandan finally landed on Indian soil. Politicians and celebrities took to social media to welcome the homecoming of Indian's 'brave heart'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "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!"

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!

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 1, 2019

🇮🇳 Wing Cdr. Abhinandan, your dignity, poise and bravery made us all proud. Welcome back and much love. 🇮🇳

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 1, 2019

Dear Wing Commander Abhinandan, entire nation is proud of your courage and valour.

India is glad to have you back.

May you continue to serve the nation and IAF with unparalleled passion and dedication. Best wishes for your bright future.

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) March 1, 2019

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman also took to Twitter, "Proud of you Wing Commander #AbhinandanVarthaman. The entire nation appreciates your valour and grit. You held your calm in the face of adversity. You are an inspiration to our youth. Salute. Vande Mataram."

Proud of you Wing Commander #AbhinandanVarthaman. The entire nation appreciates your valour and grit. You held your calm in the face of adversity. You are an inspiration to our youth. Salute. Vande Mataram.

— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) March 1, 2019

The hero finally walks back. A grateful nation salutes Wing Commander Abhinandan. You are an inspiration for all of us

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) March 1, 2019

Welcome Home! The entire Nation is proud of Wing Commander Abhinandan.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) March 1, 2019

Bharath Mata ki Jai. #WelcomeHomeAbhinandan pic.twitter.com/WqnJs3iwgv

— B.S. Yeddyurappa (@BSYBJP) March 1, 2019

From Shah Rukh Khan to Alia Bhatt; everyone is praising Varthaman for his valour and courage and praying for his safe return. 

There is no better feeling than Coming back Home, for home is the place of love, hope & dreams. Ur bravery makes us stronger. Eternally grateful. #WelcomeBackAbhinandan pic.twitter.com/NFTRINu6Mw

— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) March 1, 2019

Our hero is home. #Abhinandan 🇮🇳

— Alia Bhatt (@aliaa08) March 1, 2019

Welcome home Abhinandan! आपकी वीरता सर आँखों पर! Inspiration to our whole nation . Jai Hind 🇮🇳✊

— Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) March 1, 2019