Ahmedabad: The Gujarat government on Thursday announced a special honour for Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who showed remarkable courage and bravery to thwart his co-pilot’s alleged attempt to crash a flydubai flight despite being stabbed.
Captain Machchhar, who was airlifted to Dubai for treatment, will be awarded the ‘Visisht Gujarat Garima Award’ for saving the lives of 174 people who were on board the flight headed for Tel Aviv, in Israel.
Machchhar, who is being hailed for his heroic act, has drawn high praise from all sections of society.
A special prayer has been organised at the Somnath temple for his speedy recovery.
“Captain Smit Machchhar, a pilot of Gujarati origin who displayed extraordinary courage during a flight to Israel and saved the lives of 174 passengers, has brought glory to Gujarat and the country on the global stage. In recognition of this unparalleled act of bravery and humanity, the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, has decided to honour Captain Smit Machhar with the ‘Vishesh Gujarat Gaurav Puraskar’,” CMO Gujarat said in a post on X.
“The courage of Captain Smit Machchhar, the pilot of the flight headed to Israel, is being saluted by the entire world today. Despite being drenched in blood due to the attack, he displayed indomitable bravery to save the lives of 174 passengers — a feat that is profoundly inspiring and commendable,” CM Patel posted on social media.
“This valiant son of Gujarat has brought glory to the state of Gujarat and the nation across the globe through his heroism. The Gujarati spirit flowing in his veins fills us all with immense pride. The entire state is praying for his swift recovery. The empathy and prayers of the nation’s citizens are with him,” Patel said.
According to officials, Machchhar hails from Gujarat, but his family shifted to Mumbai long ago.
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