News Crisps - Abhinandan Varthaman Receives Vir Chakra

The Indian Air Force Pilot, famous after the 2019 India Pakistan Standoff, was held captive by Pakistan for almost 60 hours after his aircraft, a MiG-21 Bison was shot down in an aerial battle received the prestigious Vir Chakra Award by the Indian Government on the 21st of November, 2021.

Born on 21st June, 1983 to a retired Indian Air Force Air Marshal father and a doctor mother, in a village near the city of Kanchipuram, Abhinandan. Abhinandan completed his education from Sainik School, Amaravathinagar. He graduated from the National Defense Academy and was licensed into the IAF as a flying officer in 2004. He trained in IAF centers in Bathinda and Halwara, got promoted to lieutenant in 2006 and later promoted to squadron leader in 2010. He used to fly a Sukhoi Su-30 MKI before being assigned to the MiG-21 Bison squadron. He was promoted to Wing Commander in 2017.

On the day of 27th of February 2019, Abhinandan was flying the MiG-21 Bison to intercept the Pakistan Air Force, who were spotted lurking on the radar near the Line of Control (LoC). In the battle that followed, he crossed into Pakistani airspace and his aircraft was hit by a missile. He safely ejected from his aircraft and reports say that he asked villagers if it was India, to which they agreed. He raised pro-India slogans and the villagers raised pro-Pakistan slogans. Abhinandan, fearing for his life, began firing warning shots, to which the locals captured and manhandled him before being rescued by the Pakistani Army.

On 28th of February 2019, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan issued a statement that Abhinandan Varthaman would be released the next day as a “gesture of peace”. Abhinandan crossed the India-Pakistan Wagah border on 1st March 2019. Abhinandan later said that the Pakistani authorities did not torture him but subjected to mental harrasment. Pakistan replied that he was treated in accordance to Geneva Convention.

Fin.