HighLights
  1. Pilot Smit Machchhar survived mid-air attack reciting Hanuman Chalisa.
  2. PM Modi praised his courage, presence of mind, saving lives.
  3. Flydubai flight diverted to Tabuk after cockpit struggle.

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar became deeply emotional during a phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday. He revealed that reciting the Hanuman Chalisa (a devotional hymn composed in praise of Lord Hanuman) gave him the ultimate strength and courage to survive a harrowing mid-air attack aboard a flydubai plane.

Machchhar Shares How He Survived Mid-Air Attack

While commanding a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Machchhar was suddenly assaulted by his co-pilot, causing the aircraft, carrying 174 passengers to plunge violently on Wednesday. According to Machchhar, he kept chanting the sacred verses in that terrifying moment. “Whenever I am in pain, I recite Hanuman Chalisa. At that time too, I only kept reciting the Hanuman Chalisa...Today, one call from you makes me feel really proud,” Machchhar said, as quoted by ANI

The ‘hero’ pilot further appreciated PM Modi’s outreach, calling him his “biggest idol.” Despite sustaining multiple severe injuries during the mid-air assault by his co-pilot, Machchhar refused to give up, pushing through the intense physical pain to save the aircraft. He told PM Modi, "When I was down on the floor, I sensed that the aircraft was going down. And I knew for sure: ‘This is the one last push, Smit. Just do it. The door is right there’."

“You are my biggest idol. I feel proud of the way you are encouraging me today. I had so many injuries, but I told myself I have to get up and act. At the time, I told pushed myself to open the cockpit door,” Machchhar added.

ALSO READ: Flydubai 'Hero' Smit Machchhar Breaks Down During Call With PM Modi: 'Away From India, Not From Our Culture'

PM Modi Praises Machchhar

During the video call, PM Modi praised Machchhar’s courage, presence of mind and composure in saving many lives. PM Modi said, “The whole country is praying for you. Maha Mrityunjay Jaap is being done for you and your health. Your courage, presence of mind and composure saved many lives. The country can proudly say that Indians are not those who take lives, but those who are willing to risk their lives to save others.”

PM Modi Invokes 'Ahimsa' While Thanking 'Hero' Pilot

Commending his bravery, PM Modi further stated that he had shown the world what ‘Ahimsa’ truly means. Noting the intense public reaction to the incident, PM Modi said he had read numerous social media comments pointing out how differently the narrative would have played out for India had the scenario ended in tragedy.

Expressing deep gratitude, PM Modi told Machchhar, “You have shown the world what is 'Ahimsa'...I read many comments on social media stating that if the scenario were any different, what would people say about India? You have done a big job and saved everyone."

flydubai Plane Incident

The incident happened on Wednesday while the flydubai aircraft, carrying 174 passengers was travelling towards Israel. Following the struggle in the cockpit, the flight was diverted and forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk. Flight-tracking website Flightradar24 reported that the aircraft dropped by about 17,000 feet in roughly one minute. The co-pilot, who attacked the Indian captain, was identified as an Omani national by Israeli officials. However, UAE authorities have not yet officially confirmed his nationality.

ALSO READ: 'Hit Me So Many Times': New Video Shows Wounded flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar After Cockpit Struggle


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