Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 1: Claps, loud cheers and standing ovation in a flight does not happen everyday. This happened on Friday for none other than the brave IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman’s family. When Abhinandan’s parents boarded a Chennai to Delhi flight last night, they were greeted with loud cheers. A video of the same has been widely circulated in the media.

Abhinandan is likely to be released today by Pakistan at Attari-Wagah border. He had landed in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir when he took on the PAF aircraft on Wednesday morning.

Abhinandan’s father S Varthamam is also a retired Air Marshal and is known for his excellent service record. Abhinandan’s mother is a doctor. Abhinandan’s grandfather, Simhakutty was also in the force during World War 2.

The release of Wing Commander Abhinandan comes after heavy pressure put on the Pakistan government by India as well as by some international leaders though Pakistan says that he was released as a peace gesture. There was mounting pressure on the Pakistani government for release of the pilot under Geneva Convention.

Social media is full of news related to Wing Commander Abhinandan since he was captured by the Pakistan army on Wednesday morning. A few videos of the fighter pilot also went viral and thousands of people have watched those videos.