The Gujarat government on Thursday announced that Indian pilot Smit Machchhar, who thwarted his co-pilot’s alleged attempt to crash a Flydubai flight despite being stabbed, will be awarded the ‘Visisht Gujarat Garima Award’ for his indomitable bravery.
Captain Machchhar, who is being treated in Saudi Arabia, is being hailed for his heroic act that saved several lives, drawing high praise from all sections of society.
To honour his extraordinary act of bravery and humanity, the state will bestow the ‘Visisht Gujarat Garima Award’ upon Captain Smit Machchhar, Patel announced. “The courage of Captain Smit Machchhar, the pilot of the flight headed to Israel, is being saluted by the entire world today. “This valiant son of Gujarat has brought glory to the state of Gujarat and the nation across the globe through his heroism. “The entire state is praying for his swift recovery.
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,” Patel said in a post on X.
The Gujarati spirit flowing in his veins fills us all with immense pride,” he further said. The empathy and prayers of the nation’s citizens are with him,” he said. Officials said the pilot belongs to Gujarat, but his family had shifted to Mumbai long ago. “During the flight to Tel Aviv, displaying indomitable courage, wisdom, and unparalleled dedication to duty, he foiled a cruel conspiracy like 9/11 and saved precious lives,” it said. In another post on X, Patel tagged the Somnath temple’s prayer post and said, “From Lord Somnath, the God of Gods, we pray that He swiftly restores our valiant hero to full health and grants him long life.”
