NEW DELHI – Abhinandan” used to mean congratulations, but its meaning willchange now, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Saturday referring to the IAFpilot released by Pakistan and the air strike carried out by India inPakistan.
The world takes note of what India does and the nation has the power to”change dictionary meanings”, Modi said at a housing ministry event here.
His remarks came a day after IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman washanded over to India by Pakistan after being in captivity for nearly threedays.
He was captured on February 27 by Pakistan following a dogfight between thetwo air forces in which his MIG-21 was shot down.
“Take it for fact, the world watches carefully what India does… Thecountry has the strength to change the meaning of words in the dictionary.
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“Abhinandan once used to mean congratulations in English. And now themeaning of Abhinandan will change. This is the strength of this country,”he said amid applause by the audience.
He said the country has to move ahead with “valour”.
Soon after the pilot was released, Modi had tweeted, “Welcome Home WingCommander Abhinandan! The nation is proud of your exemplary courage.”
