Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has announced a state honour for courageous pilot Smit Machhar. The government will confer the Vishisht Gujarat Garima Samman on him. Gujarat will recognise his extraordinary bravery and humanitarian act through this honour. Moreover, Machhar will receive ₹25 lakh along with an award. Meanwhile, special prayers continue for his speedy recovery at Somnath Temple.
Nationwide prayers begin for his recovery
Machhar risked his own life and saved everyone aboard the Flydubai flight. However, he suffered serious injuries during the incident. Authorities brought Captain Smit to Dubai for treatment. Consequently, people across India have started prayers and religious ceremonies for his recovery. In Varanasi, devotees organised a special ritual at Baba Vishwanath Dham. They will also perform Rudrabhishek and chant the Mahamrityunjaya mantra.
Somnath and Mumbai join prayers
Likewise, Somnath Temple in Gujarat organised a special Mahapuja for Machhar’s health and long life. People in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar also demanded a central government award for his bravery. They carried Machhar’s photograph and held the national flag while praying for his safety.
Co-pilot attacked Machhar inside the cockpit
On Wednesday, September 30, Machhar faced an attack inside the cockpit of Flydubai flight FZ1073. The aircraft was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. His co-pilot attacked him with a knife during the flight. At that time, 174 people were aboard the aircraft.
Aircraft dropped nearly 14,000 feet
The co-pilot allegedly tried to crash the plane. However, Machhar stopped the reported attempt despite suffering injuries. Following the incident, every passenger reached Israel safely on Wednesday. Israeli officials identified the co-pilot as an Omani citizen. After the knife attack, the aircraft suddenly lost altitude. The plane dropped around 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.
Award announcement follows dramatic rescue
Despite the dangerous situation, Machhar’s actions helped save everyone aboard. As he receives treatment in Dubai, prayers continue from Mumbai to Varanasi. Somnath Temple has also joined those prayers through its special Mahapuja. Meanwhile, Gujarat’s announced honour will recognise his exceptional courage and humanitarian action with ₹25 lakh and an award.
