‘I was reciting Hanuman Chalisa’: ‘Hero’ pilot Captain Smit Machchaar recounts flydubai stabbing to PM Modi

Pilot Captain Smit Machchaar told Prime Minister Narendra during a telephonic conversation on Friday that he recited Hanuman Chalisa as he was dealing with the stabbing incident on an Israel-bound flydubai flight on Wednesday.He said he reads the Hanuman Chalisa whenever he is in difficult times. “I was reciting Hanuman Chalisa even during the incident, and I know God saved me,” Machchaar told Modi.PM Modi on Friday spoke to Machchaar, who allegedly foiled an attempt by his co-pilot to crash an Israel-bound flydubai flight, and applauded his bravery.Smit Machchhar becomes emotionalDuring the telephonic conversation, Machchaar gave details of his experience and what gave him courage during the incident.Machchhar became emotional during the call and said it is a very special moment for him.He told the PM, "You are my biggest idol.

I feel proud of the way you are encouraging me today. I had so many injuries, but I told myself I have to get up and act. At the time, I told pushed myself to open the cockpit door." PM Modi: ‘Whole country is praying for you’Modi applauded the pilot's bravery and wished him a quick recovery. He praised his courage, presence of mind and composure. He said the entire country is praying for him. “The whole country is praying for you.

Maha Mrityunjay Jaap is being done for you and your health. Your courage, presence of mind and composure saved many lives. The country can proudly say that Indians are not those who take lives, but those who are willing to risk their lives to save others,” Modi said." Bharat is eager to welcome you. Yesterday, special prayers were held across the country for your health," Modi told Machchhar." I thank the Saudi and UAE governments for taking care of you.

I assure you that I am only a phone call away whenever you need me," Modi said while reassuring Machchhar of his support.Machchhar and Modi also shared a conversation in Gujarati. The PM praised the Captain's family and their courage.Modi said that in the face of the gravest danger, despite being seriously injured, Machchhar showed immense courage and unwavering resolve to protect others' lives.Modi called Machchhar a ‘hero’ and said his valour helped save hundreds of lives and averted a great tragedy.Addressing the centenary celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the PM also said that the pilot of the flydubai flight showed great patience, acumen and bravery."

And like Israeli PM (Benjamin Netanyahu) today said that this Indian thwarted 9/11 (like attack). For every Indian, Smit's bravery fills our heart with pride," he said.The PM said he had spoken to Machchhar’s family and enquired about his health.“ I had a conversation with his father, Bhupendrabhai, his mother, Gitaben, and his wife, Sonalben. His medical treatment is currently ongoing, and today the entire world feels proud of him,” he had said.The flydubai incidentThe flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, transmitted emergency signals on Wednesday and made a sharp descent of more than 17,000 feet from 34,000 feet before diverting to Prince Sultan Bin Abdel Aziz Airport in Saudi Arabia's Tabuk city.

The flight was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children.In videos circulating on social media, the pilot can be seen drenched in blood, wearing an oxygen mask and lying on his back in the galley of the aircraft.In his statement, Netanyahu said that an Israeli passenger told him that the aircraft went into a spin and began descending, after which the passenger and a crew member managed to break into the cockpit and, together, they overpowered the pilot who had carried out the stabbing while he was attempting to sabotage the aircraft's systems.(

With inputs from agencies)