Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with Captain Smit Machchhar via video call on October 2, 2026, commending the pilot's courage, patience, and swift presence of mind in taking critical decisions to save numerous passengers' lives during an aviation incident. The PM noted that despite sustaining severe injuries and battling life and death situations, Captain Machchhar prioritized passenger safety over his own life, thereby enhancing the honor of 140 crore Indians. PM Modi emphasized that the pilot's actions demonstrate that Indians are people who save lives rather than take lives, particularly significant as the interaction occurred on Gandhi Jayanti, with the PM stating the Captain had demonstrated the true essence of non-violence through his actions.
The Prime Minister recalled his previous conversation with the pilot's family members, including Bhupendra bhai, Geeta bahen, and Sonal bahen, praising Geeta bahen for instilling profound cultural values in her son and observing that she had completely absorbed and lived the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Captain Machchhar described how seventeen years of flying experience helped him realize the aircraft was going down, and he made a final push to open the door despite being heavily trapped and wounded, determined not to let passengers die. The pilot drew spiritual strength from reciting the Hanuman Chalisa during his struggle for survival.
PM Modi highlighted the widespread emotional solidarity across the nation, noting that special prayers and aartis are being conducted from Savarkundla to Wadhwan for the pilot's longevity. The Captain maintains his connection to Indian culture by reciting Hanuman Chalisa daily with his two-year-old son. The Prime Minister extended gratitude to the governments of Saudi Arabia and the UAE for providing outstanding medical care and noted the immense love received from local people. The conversation was conducted affectionately in Gujarati, with the PM inquiring after the Captain's young children, Bobby and Jiwa, and expressing admiration for the pilot's parents and wife who maintained remarkable poise and faith without complaint.
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