The Indian community honoured Captain Smit Machchhar at an event marking 25 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s public service, recognising the pilot’s courage during the Flydubai flight emergency.
More than 200 Indian expatriates in Dubai gave Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar a standing ovation at the Indian Consulate auditorium, honoring his courage during a flight emergency that authorities say put 174 lives at risk.
The tribute was held during a special programme organised by the Indian Consulate in association with the Indian People Forum (IPF) UAE to mark 25 years of public service by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Jitendra Vaidya, president of IPF UAE, asked the audience to stand in honor of the captain, drawing sustained applause from the packed auditorium, which included India’s Consul General in Dubai, Dr. Vishnu Reddy, and other diplomats.
Pilot Praised for Split-Second Decision
Vaidya highlighted the importance of decisions made under extreme pressure, saying that such moments rely on presence of mind, courage, values and instinct.
He praised Captain Smit for his actions and said the pilot had made his family, colleagues and the country proud.
Captain Smit was flying Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 when he was seriously injured in an alleged cockpit attack. Authorities said his co-pilot allegedly used a crash axe to attack him and attempted to take control of the aircraft. The UAE Attorney General has described the incident as an attempted terrorist attack.
Despite his injuries, Captain Smit managed to open the cockpit door in a final attempt, allowing crew members and passengers to intervene and prevent a potential disaster.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 subsequently landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The captain received initial treatment there before being transferred to Abu Dhabi.
The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi said on Tuesday that Captain Smit was making steady progress and regaining his health. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
Event Marks 25 Years of Modi’s Public Service
The tribute took place as part of a programme held under the theme “Seva Sankalp Abhiyan”, a month-long public service and outreach campaign running from September 17 to October 17.
The event also focused on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 25 years of public service, his political journey from grassroots work to national leadership, and his vision of Viksit Bharat.
A video presentation highlighted key milestones and initiatives from the period.
India’s Consul General spoke about the country’s development across sectors and its growing global presence, while Siddhartha Balachandran, Chairman of the Indian Business and Professional Council, discussed India’s economic transformation, growth and emerging opportunities.
Sejal, a Grade 10 student at The Indian High School in Dubai, also addressed the gathering, sharing the aspirations of India’s younger generation for a developed and progressive India.
The community paid its tribute during a special programme held to mark 25 years of public service by PM Modi. X/@cgi
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Source: Gulf News
