Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who helped foil an alleged attempt by his co-pilot to crash a Dubai-Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai flight, told Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday that he recited the Hanuman Chalisa during the tense moments aboard the aircraft.
Machchhar spoke to PM Modi over a video call, during which the Prime Minister praised his courage, presence of mind and composure in protecting the lives of those onboard.
Recalling the ordeal, Machchhar told PM Modi that whenever he faces a difficult situation, he recites the Hanuman Chalisa. He said he was doing the same during the emergency aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073.
Machchhar became emotional during the conversation and told the Prime Minister that speaking to him was a “very special moment”. He also described Modi as his “biggest idol”.
He told PM Modi that receiving the call had made him extremely proud and that he had never imagined that he would get the opportunity to speak with him.
