Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar over a video call on Friday, praising his courage, presence of mind and composure during the mid-air incident that helped protect passengers and crew.
The conversation became emotional when Machchhar became tearful while speaking with the Prime Minister.
The captain apologised after losing his composure and said he had never imagined getting an opportunity to speak with PM Modi.
The Prime Minister consoled him, saying, “Why are you crying? The whole country wants to talk to you.”
Referring to Machchhar’s remarks about the Hanuman Chalisa, PM Modi thanked his mother, Geeta Ben, for instilling such values in him.
“The whole country is here to welcome you with great excitement,” the Prime Minister said, describing Machchhar as a ‘Veer Purush’ and praising his courage during the incident.
Machchhar told PM Modi that he viewed what happened not simply as part of his job but as a journey. He expressed confidence that he would recover soon.
PM Modi wished the captain a speedy recovery and praised his courage and presence of mind.
Speaking in Gujarati, the Prime Minister linked the incident to Gandhi Jayanti, saying Machchhar had demonstrated what ‘ahimsa’ (non-violence) means.
Machchhar suffered severe injuries when the Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked him on a Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai flight on Wednesday.
The co-pilot allegedly attempted to take control of the aircraft, prompting Machchhar to resist and unlock the cockpit door.
The move allowed crew members and passengers to enter the cockpit. They restrained the attacker, preventing what could have been a major disaster. More than 170 people were on board the flight.
Flydubai has temporarily suspended flights to and from Israel while an investigation into the incident continues.
Also Read: ‘PM Modi Is My Biggest Idol’: Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar Gets Emotional During Video Call
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