PM Modi speaks to injured pilot Smit Machchhar, praises courage in saving passengers

New Delhi, Oct 2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 2 spoke over a video call with Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who averted a major airline catastrophe on board a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Thursday, praising the injured pilot for his courage, presence of mind and determination to protect passengers during a life-threatening aviation emergency.

https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2105931116058411146?s=20

Modi began the conversation by enquiring about Machchhar’s health and assured him that people across the country were praying for his recovery. He commended the pilot for taking critical decisions within seconds despite sustaining serious injuries and putting the safety of passengers ahead of his own.

The Prime Minister said Machchhar’s actions had brought pride to the country, stressing that Indians should be known for saving lives rather than taking them.

Modi also recalled his earlier interactions with Machchhar’s family members, including Bhupendra, Geeta and Sonal, and praised his mother for instilling strong cultural and spiritual values in him. He said her adherence to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita was reflected in her son’s conduct during the crisis.

During the interaction, Machchhar recounted the sequence of events that unfolded during the emergency, drawing on his 17 years of flying experience to explain how he realised that the aircraft was going down.

The Prime Minister listened as the pilot described his struggle to open the aircraft door in the final moments, despite being trapped and badly injured. Machchhar said he remained determined to prevent passengers from losing their lives.

Modi also noted the pilot’s account of drawing spiritual strength from reciting the Hanuman Chalisa while struggling to survive. He said it was natural for Machchhar to become emotional after going through such a traumatic experience.

“Your brave actions have made the entire world eager to speak with you, and your family has truly brought glory to the nation,” Modi told the pilot.

The Prime Minister highlighted the widespread public support for Machchhar’s recovery, saying special prayers and aartis were being held in several parts of the country, including Savarkundla and Wadhwan, for his long life and speedy recovery.

He appreciated the pilot’s determination to approach his recovery patiently and noted that Machchhar continues to recite the Hanuman Chalisa every day with his two-year-old son as a way of remaining connected with Indian cultural traditions.

Modi also expressed gratitude to the governments of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for the medical assistance provided to the injured pilot. He referred to Machchhar’s comments about the affection and support he had received from local people in the two countries.

The Prime Minister said the pilot’s conduct had upheld the dignity of Indian pilots and the country’s standing in the global aviation community.

Referring to Gandhi Jayanti, Modi said Machchhar had demonstrated through his actions what he described as the true essence of non-violence – protecting human life even while facing grave danger himself.

Speaking to Machchhar in Gujarati, Modi also enquired about his young children, Bobby and Jiwa. He praised the pilot’s parents and wife, Sonal, for maintaining composure and faith during the difficult period.

Modi assured Machchhar that he remained only a phone call away and said he looked forward to meeting him personally to hear the details of the incident.

Wishing him a full and speedy recovery, the Prime Minister said the entire country stood firmly behind him and concluded the conversation with the words: “Get well very soon so we can meet; God bless you and Jai Hind.”