SATURDAY, 19 SEPTEMBER 2026

Inspiration from Abhinandan

The dramatic mission and rescue of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman has inspired the nation to pay tribute to him in some innovative ways

#TG Life


Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman is now a hero of the nation. The brave young Indian Air Force pilot has inspired a wave of patriotism. Further on, he seems to be growing into a sort of cultural phenomenon. First off, in the aftermath of the IAF pilot’s heroic mission and dramatic rescue, many citizens are paying a tribute to the hero by styling their facial hair like him. Varthaman’s stylised beard - a mix of a thin mutton chop beard, a classic gunslinger or a Franz Josef - has become the talk of the town. Goa too is not untouched by this fast-spreading trend. 

“On the customer’s side, it’s a quite popular trend to be honest, and from our side too we thought this is a unique way to show our respect to the brave war-hero,” said Rashid Mansoori, a barber from Vasco. 

After receiving a couple of request Abhinandan-style moustache, and also Abhinandan-cut hairstyle, he posted the pictures on Facebook, and has been receiving more requests and calls ever since. In fact, Mansoori has also added his own concession here. “I am happy to do something for the nation in this way, and decided to leave it to the wish of the customers whether to pay or not after they got this style done,” he adds. Twitterati are going gaga over the moustache. 

Moustaches aside, Abhinandan’s story is unbelievable indeed, and the country’s professional storytellers, i.e. Bollywood hotshots are already looking at the recent events with the possibility of creating a film. If reports are to be believed, many producers have already registered titles such as ‘War Room’,  ‘With Love, From India’, and’ ATS - One Man Show’, and actors such as Ajay Devgn, John Abraham, and South Indian star Surya are said be top choices for the role of the combat pilot because of their moustaches! 

SHARE ON

From home with love

Travel Fetch Buddy is a unique Facebook group that aims to enable migrated Goans and Indians to still keep in touch with the tastes, smells and feelings from home

The Goan Network
Published Mar 5, 2019, 3:25 AM IST
SHARE ON

JAY JOSHIWe live in a globalised world where people migrate overseas in pursuit of opportunities. From Delhi to Dubai to Denver, Indians-Goans included, leave families behind for education or better earnings, but they carry their homes in their hearts. The memory of Mankurad mangoes, homemade pickles, spices, and many other things available only at home stays with them and the family back home is flooded with requests to send a few ‘desi/Goan’ care-packages to nourish the…

READ MORE
Home HOME News GOA NEWS Global GLOBAL GOENKAR Search SEARCH