'The country is praying for you': PM Modi speaks to pilot Smit Machchhar over video call

NEW DELHI: “The entire country is praying for you. I hope you recover as soon as possible. Even while fighting between life and death and despite suffering serious injuries, you put the safety of the passengers before your own life. You have made every Indian proud.”

These were the words of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who saved the lives of 174 passengers after resisting an attack by his co-pilot on a Flydubai flight.

Modi spoke to Machchhar, who is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Dubai, over a video call. “The decision you took in a fraction of a moment saved the lives of so many people. Indians can therefore proudly say that Indians are not those who take lives, but those who save lives,” Modi told him. Machchhar became emotional during the conversation.

'I prayed to Hanuman and gathered courage'
(Excerpts from the video call)

Modi: I spoke to your mother Geeta behen, Bhupendra bhai and your wife Sonal. Geeta behen has deeply understood the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, instilled strong cultural values in you and put them into practice in life. Do you remember what happened on the flight?

Machchhar: I saw death in front of me. I realised that if I did not act courageously, the lives of the passengers would be in danger. I prayed to Lord Hanuman and gathered courage. When I realised that the aircraft was heading towards danger, I acted immediately. Despite being seriously injured, I was determined not to let the passengers die and tried to open the cockpit door.

Modi: Today, the entire world wants to speak to you.

Machchhar: I never imagined that I would get an opportunity to speak to the Prime Minister. I feel very proud.

Modi: The entire country is praying for you. I thank the governments of Saudi Arabia and the UAE for providing you with the best possible treatment.