Hanuman Chalisa helped in preventing tragedy—Capt. Smit

It was an emotional moment for who foiled an attempt by his co-pilot to allegedly crash an Israel-bound flydubai flight during a video conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday.

Machchaar gave details of his experience and what gave him courage during the incident, government sources said. He said when in trouble, he always chants Hanuman Chalisa which gives him courage and reminds him of his sense of duty.

Modi applauded the pilot’s bravery and wished him a quick recovery, the sources said. The Prime Minister said he was surprised to see how the entire family was maintaining their poise and were cool and had a positive outlook. He said he told Captain Smit’s mother, Gitaben, that the credit for raising Captain Smit with high values, which made him think more about the lives of the passengers over his own life despite being injured severely. He said Machchhar showed immense courage and unwavering resolve in protecting the lives of 174 passengers by avoiding a great tragedy and has won the heart of all across the globe.

Modi said people in India were chanting the mantra of Maha Mritunjaya for his speedy recovery. He recalled what Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said, “This Indian thwarted 9/11 (like attack). For every Indian, Smit’s bravery fills our heart with pride,” he said. Modi said, Smit had proved that Indians are those who save the lives of others.

Captain Smit explained to Modi about the incident and turned emotional. He said he never expected that he would be speaking to the Prime Minister directly. Modi said he would meet Captain Smit once he fully recovers from his injuries.

The Prime Minister also spoke a little in Gujarati with Captain Smit and ended the conversation saying, Jai Sri Krishna.