'Recited Hanuman Chalisa': Indian pilot stabbed on flydubai flight tells PM Modi on video call
Machchhar told Modi that he was his 'biggest idol'.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today (2 October) spoke to the country's pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who is undergoing treatment in the UAE after he was injured while resisting co-pilot in a flydubai aircraft on Wednesday, and applauded his bravery.
During the telephonic conversation, Machchaar gave details of his experience and what gave him courage during the incident, government sources said. Modi applauded the pilot's bravery and wished him a quick recovery, the sources said.
Machchhar, who was attacked by his Omani co-pilot, struggled to open the cockpit door, which led the passengers, mainly Israeli security forces members, onboard to overpower the attacker, who allegedly tried to hijack the plane flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv Modi and his Israel counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu hailed Machchhar as a hero for saving passengers after he was stabbed by the copilot on Wednesday (30 September).
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During the conversation, Machchhar told Modi that he was his 'biggest idol' and recalled how he recited the Hanuman Chalisa while facing the difficult situation aboard the flight.
Machchhar also shared that whenever he finds himself in difficulty, he recites the Hanuman Chalisa.
He said he was reciting the Hanuman Chalisa during the difficult moment as well.
Passengers on the flight reached Israel safely after customers and crew foiled the co-pilot's attempt. In a post on his verified X yesterday (1 October), Modi said Machchhar prevented another 9/11-like attack from happening."
"Machchar has shown the world the highest form of courage. Without fearing for his own life, he fought valiantly and prevented another 9/11 like attack from happening," said the post.
