Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 2 October held a video call with flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar, praising his extraordinary bravery and composure during a mid-air emergency that reportedly helped save the lives of all those on board. The conversation, held on Gandhi Jayanti, became an emotional exchange in which Modi lauded the pilot as a symbol of India's ethos of selflessness.

What Modi Said

'The whole country is praying for you. Maha Mrityunjaya Jaap is being performed 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,' Prime Minister Modi said during the call.

Modi told Captain Machchhar that though he was fighting for his own survival at the time, he had chosen to prioritise the lives of everyone else on the flight. The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to the UAE and the Abu Dhabi government for their support in the aftermath of the incident, underscoring the bilateral goodwill at play.

Captain Machchhar Recalls the Moment

Captain Machchhar, who has 17 years in aviation and 11 years of experience as a captain, became emotional as he recounted the critical moment during the incident. 'When I fell down, I realised that the flight was going down. I realised that I had to open the door one last time, and I opened the door. All the other people entered. So, I would say there was an equal role played by the other people too in this,' he said.

He added: 'I was fighting for my life, but I knew that I would not let the other people die. After that moment, I received the care and medical attention that I am getting now.' He credited others on board for their role in the rescue as well, reflecting characteristic humility.

Faith, Family and Values

The conversation turned personal as Captain Machchhar spoke about his faith, sharing that he recites the Hanuman Chalisa whenever he seeks positivity or is in pain, and keeps his two-year-old son on his lap while doing so. 'Because I am away from the country, but it is not good to be away from our culture,' he said.

Modi responded warmly, thanking the Captain's mother, Geeta Ben, for instilling such values. 'I had said to Geeta Ben that you have the values of the Gita and have shaped your son's life,' the Prime Minister said. When Captain Machchhar became emotional and tears flowed, Modi consoled him: 'Why are you crying? The whole country wants to talk to you.'

Gandhi Jayanti Connection and Looking Ahead

Notably, the call came on Gandhi Jayanti, and Modi drew a deliberate parallel: 'I want to say that what 'ahimsa' is, you have proved it.' He referred to Captain Machchhar as a 'Veer Purush' and assured him of unwavering support. 'Smit, whenever you need me, I am just a phone call away,' Modi said.

The Prime Minister also spoke with Captain Machchhar in Gujarati during the interaction, adding a personal touch to the exchange. Modi noted that prayers, pujas and aartis were being conducted across the country for the Captain's safety and long life, and expressed hope for his full and speedy recovery. Captain Machchhar, for his part, said he was confident: 'I am not considering all of this as my work, but as a journey. I am confident that I will recover soon.'