New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Flydubai pilot Smit Machhar and commended his courage. During the conversation, Machhar recounted the incident where he was subjected to a life-threatening attack by the co-pilot inside the cockpit. He explained that despite the grave crisis, he did not lose his nerve and continued flying the aircraft to save the lives of the approximately 170 passengers on board.
Smit Machhar told Prime Minister Modi that he kept reciting the Hanuman Chalisa throughout the attack. He said that Lord Hanuman gave him the courage and strength during that critical moment. Machhar mentioned that he and his son regularly recite the Hanuman Chalisa. He added that although he lives far from his country, he has never drifted away from his culture.
Machhar stated that his primary responsibility during the attack was to save the lives of the passengers. He noted that while he was injured and fighting for his own life, his sole focus was the realization that a lack of courage on his part could have endangered the 170 passengers on board.
He explained that as a professional pilot, he understood the situation and its potential consequences; this is why he opened the cockpit door. Subsequently, some passengers entered the cockpit and helped bring the situation under control. Machhar said that the only thought in his mind at that moment was that he could not let the passengers die.
Smit Machhar also appeared emotional during the conversation. He told Prime Minister Modi that he had never imagined he would get the opportunity to speak with him, adding that he felt proud of this interaction.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Smit Machhar’s courage, noting that the entire nation had been praying for him. PM Modi stated that Machhar’s bravery played a crucial role in saving many lives and that he had brought pride to the entire country. The Prime Minister said that Machhar proved that Indians are known not as those who take lives, but as those who save them. He stated that Machhar prioritized saving passengers without regard for his own life, and the country is proud of him.
