PM Modi video-calls pilot Capt Smit Machhar, salutes his courage in cockpit emergency

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke over a video call to Captain Smit Machhar, an Indian pilot from Mumbai. Extremely serious and difficult conditions had developed in the cockpit during a flight. The Prime Minister reached out to him for the courage, presence of mind and composure Machhar showed at the time.

Modi first asked about Machhar's health and then praised his courage and bravery openly. He told Machhar that the whole country was praying for his health and long life.

Speaking directly to the Prime Minister, Captain Machhar became emotional. "Getting the chance to speak to the Prime Minister is a very special and proud moment of my life," he said. His voice choked as he said that Modi was his biggest role model.

Modi said Machhar had shown the world through his bravery that Indians are not people who take lives. They risk their own lives to save others, he said. The Prime Minister also said every citizen of the country was proud of Machhar today.

The Prime Minister made special mention of Machhar's mother, Geetaben. He said she had instilled the values and ideals of the Bhagavad Gita in her son. According to the Prime Minister, this was why such composure and valour were seen in a difficult hour.

Describing his feelings, Captain Machhar said he had never dreamt that Prime Minister Modi would call him. He said he recites the Hanuman Chalisa whenever a difficult time or crisis comes in his life. Even in that frightening and difficult moment, he was reciting the Hanuman Chalisa silently, and it gave him mental strength.