“We are people who save lives”: PM Modi hails Captain Smit Machchhar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday interacted with Captain Smit Machchhar through a video call and commended his courage, patience and presence of mind in protecting passengers during the recent in-flight incident.
The Prime Minister began the conversation by enquiring about the Captain’s health and assured him that the entire country was praying for his speedy recovery.
Praising Captain Smit for taking critical decisions within fractions of a second despite sustaining serious injuries, PM Modi said he had prioritised the safety of passengers over his own life.
“Today the entire country can proudly say that we Indians are not people who take lives, we are people who save lives,” the Prime Minister said.
During the interaction, Captain Smit recounted how his 17 years of flying experience helped him realise that the aircraft was going down. He also described how he made a final effort to reach and open the cockpit door despite being injured, determined not to let the passengers lose their lives.
The Prime Minister listened to the Captain’s account and appreciated his determination and courage. He also noted that Captain Smit drew spiritual strength by reciting the Hanuman Chalisa during the ordeal.
PM Modi said it was natural for the Captain to become emotional after going through such a difficult experience.
“Your brave actions have made the entire world eager to speak with you, and your family has truly brought glory to the nation,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister also recalled his conversations with Captain Smit’s family members and praised his mother, Geeta, for instilling strong cultural values in her son.
PM Modi highlighted the emotional solidarity shown across the country, saying special prayers and aartis were being conducted at several places for the Captain’s recovery and long life.
He also appreciated Captain Smit’s approach towards recovery, describing it as a journey that would take time and patience. The Prime Minister noted that the Captain continues to recite the Hanuman Chalisa with his two-year-old son as a way of staying connected to Indian culture.
Expressing gratitude to the governments of Saudi Arabia and the UAE for providing medical assistance to the injured pilot, PM Modi said the Captain’s actions had enhanced the dignity of Indian pilots across the world.
Referring to Gandhi Jayanti, the Prime Minister said, “Today is Gandhi Jayanti; what the true essence of non-violence is, you have demonstrated by living it.”
PM Modi also spoke affectionately with Captain Smit in Gujarati and enquired about his young children, Bobby and Jiwa. He praised the Captain’s parents and wife, Sonalbahen, for maintaining composure and faith during the difficult period.
The Prime Minister assured Captain Smit that he remained just a phone call away and said he would hear the details of the incident from him when they meet in person.
Wishing him a complete and speedy recovery, PM Modi said, “Get well very soon so we can meet; God bless you and Jai Hind.”
The interaction came as Captain Smit continues to recover following the incident involving a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
