Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat referenced the courageous response of Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machhar during an in-flight attack while explaining the concept of Hindu temperament during his address at the annual Vijayadashami rally in Nagpur on Tuesday. He stated that the pilot's reaction was a natural reflection of his upbringing, cultural roots, and values. Addressing the gathering, the RSS chief noted that Captain Machhar had not received any special training to handle such a crisis, and instead, the values instilled by his upbringing emerged in that moment of peril.
The Impact of Upbringing and Cultural Roots
Bhagwat praised the pilot by emphasizing that what Captain Smit Machhar did reflected the core values of Hindu Dharma. He was not given any special training to respond in that manner; rather, his upbringing was such that he could not have done anything else. It was the influence of his motherland, his culture, and the values with which he was raised. The RSS chief presented Machhar's actions as an example of how cultural values can inspire an individual to respond effectively in a life-threatening situation.
Fostering Diversity and Global Harmony
He further elaborated that, in his understanding, these traditional values actively promote and protect diversity while also contributing significantly to national unity and global harmony. Bhagwat's remarks came just weeks after an incident aboard a Flydubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, where the co-pilot attacked Captain Machhar and injured him during the journey over Saudi Arabia. Despite sustaining serious injuries, the Indian captain managed to alert passengers and crew, averting a major disaster.
Details of the Flydubai Flight Incident
Captain Machhar was operating Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot attacked him with a crash axe while flying over Saudi Arabia. Initially, Captain Machhar suspected that the aircraft's structure had suffered some damage, but he soon realized he was under direct attack. Despite suffering injuries to his head and arms, he attempted to defend himself, alert the crew, and reach the cockpit door. During the struggle, the aircraft began to descend rapidly.
Safe Landing and Prime Minister's Commendation
Other pilots and passengers intervened promptly to overpower the co-pilot, allowing the flight to be brought under control and safely landed in Saudi Arabia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Captain Machhar via video call to praise his remarkable courage. The pilot's actions were widely regarded as an exemplary display of utmost duty and selflessness.
