PM Modi speaks to flydubai pilot: ‘Indians are not those who take lives’ - The Indian Express

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke to flydubai airline Captain Smit Machchhar, who foiled an attempt by his co-pilot to allegedly crash the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.

During the telephonic conversation, PM Modi enquired about Machchaar’s health and lauded his courage during the incident. PM Modi said the whole country is praying for the pilot and wished him a quick recovery.

PM Modi said 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. He added that Machchhar is a “hero” whose valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy.

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“Your courage, valour and quick thinking saved the lives of so many people. Today, the entire country can say this with pride that we Indians are not the one who takes lives, but one who save lives,” PM Modi said during the call.

Captain Smit became emotional during the video call with the Prime Minister and said it is a very special moment for him to speak with PM Modi.

He told the prime minister, “You are my biggest idol. You called me and encouraged me, I am feeling very proud.” While giving details of how he gathered courage in a tense situation, Captain Smit Machchhar told PM Modi that he kept reciting the Hanuman Chalisa.

PM Modi also spoke about Smit’s mother, Geeta Ben and said she had raised him with the values and teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.

PM Modi earlier spoke to the pilot’s wife and parents and applauded his bravery during the call. While addressing on Thursday, the PM said Machchhar showed great patience, acumen and bravery.

“And like Israeli PM (Benjamin Netanyahu) today said that this Indian thwarted 9/11 (like attack). For every Indian, Smit’s bravery fills our heart with pride,” he said.

On Wednesday, Smit Machchhar was attacked by his own co-pilot, an Omani national, and was severely injured even as the plane dropped 14,000 feet in 29 seconds.

Despite facing stab injuries, Machchhar unlocked the flight deck door, thus allowing passengers to overpower the co-pilot and foiling the crash attempt. The plane made an emergency landing in Tabuk in Saudi Arabia. All 174 passengers on board were safe.