New Delhi: In an obvious reference to the courage of IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said the word "abhinandan" has assumed a new meaning.

"The strength of our country is that it changes the meaning of words in a dictionary. 'Abhinandan' in English until now meant 'congratulations', but it will be different from now on," Modi said towards the end of his speech at an event here, speaking partly in English and partly in Hindi.