A poignant artistic tribute has emerged from Rajasthan to honour Captain Smit Machhar, the Indian aviator who courageously disrupted a mid-air hijacking attempt aboard a Flydubai passenger service travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. During the alarming incident, an Omani co-pilot attempted to seize control of the aircraft, but Captain Machhar acted with exceptional composure and bravery to neutralise the threat completely. The captain suffered severe injuries during the violent struggle and is presently undergoing medical treatment while well-wishers across the nation pray for his swift recovery. Moved by this act of selfless heroism, Jaipur-based artist Chandra Prakash Gupta picked up his brushes to immortalise the pilot in a captivating watercolour portrait.
Watercolour Canvas Captures Aviator's Composure and Valour
Renowned for his expertise in the watercolour medium, Chandra Prakash Gupta meticulously translated Captain Machhar's quiet resolve and professional courage onto the canvas. The finished artwork presents a striking, lifelike study of the injured pilot. Gupta shared that hearing how the Indian captain stood firm against direct physical danger filled him with profound national pride. As a painter who communicates deepest emotions through art, he felt an immediate compulsion to work, channeling his admiration into capturing the calm demeanour displayed by Captain Machhar under extreme duress.
A Standout Example of Professional Devotion
Reflecting on the harrowing episode, Gupta noted that Captain Smit Machhar's exemplary conduct serves as an enduring source of inspiration for citizens everywhere. By putting passenger safety above his own survival, the captain protected dozens of innocent lives and elevated the standing of Indian aviation professionals globally. Gupta emphasised that every citizen should draw motivation from such absolute dedication, approaching their own daily duties and social responsibilities with equivalent sincerity. The veteran artist also voiced a personal wish to present the watercolour portrait to Captain Machhar in person whenever an opportunity arises in the future.
Tribute Tradition Rooted in the Kargil War
Chandra Prakash Gupta has been actively immersed in the painting world for the past 45 years, and his practice of honouring national heroes spans multiple decades. Approximately 26 years ago, during the intense fighting of the Kargil conflict between India and Pakistan, the country was gripped by stories of extraordinary military sacrifice. It was during that historic period that Gupta began producing oil paintings dedicated to fallen soldiers. Rather than exhibiting them for commercial gain, he took it upon himself to travel directly to the rural villages of those martyrs to present the portraits to grieving families with utmost dignity.
Decades of Artistic Contribution Recognised Nationally
Across the last 35 years of this dedicated artistic journey, Gupta has completed portraits of more than 400 soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty. His steadfast, uncommercial service to memorial art has earned him wide recognition at both regional and national levels. In the year 2000, then President of India K. R. Narayanan formally felicitated Gupta for his distinguished efforts. Following that honour, the Government of Rajasthan conferred its State Award upon him in 2001, alongside the 'Rajasthan Excellence Award' presented by the Rajasthan Books of Records.
