Special prayers are being offered at India's revered Kashi Vishwanath and Somnath temples for the swift recovery and long life of Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot who heroically saved a Flydubai flight from a mid-air crisis. Machchhar sustained serious injuries after being stabbed by his co-pilot during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The incident, which occurred recently, saw Captain Machchhar display extraordinary courage and presence of mind. Despite being severely wounded, he managed to stabilize the aircraft after it plunged nearly 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds. His decisive actions allowed him to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to overpower the assailant. Two other Flydubai pilots, traveling as passengers, then took control and safely landed the plane in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, ensuring the safety of all 174 people on board.
Nationwide Prayers for a Hero
In response to his bravery and injuries, religious ceremonies have been held across India. The Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust announced that a 'Rudrabhishek' was performed by 21 scholars at the Kashi Vishwanath Dham in Varanasi, accompanied by 11 scholars chanting 100,000 'Mahamrityunjay mantras' for Captain Machchhar's health. Similarly, the Shri Somnath Temple in Gujarat initiated a special grand worship and a continuous 'Mahamrityunjaya Mantra Japa Ritual' at the first Jyotirlinga, praying for the pilot's complete recovery.
Pilot's Condition and International Recognition
Captain Machchhar is currently in stable condition and receiving advanced medical care in Abu Dhabi, having been airlifted from a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah are closely monitoring his health and maintaining contact with his family, assuring them of full support.
His valor has garnered international praise. Both Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have publicly lauded Captain Machchhar as a true hero, acknowledging his pivotal role in averting a major aviation tragedy.