New Delhi, 01 October (H.S.):

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised the courage of Captain Smit Machchhar and urged the people of the country to pray for his speedy recovery while addressing the centenary celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in New Delhi.

Speaking at the event, PM Modi said he had spoken to Captain Machchhar’s parents and wife and conveyed his concern for the injured pilot. He said the entire country was proud of the captain and appealed to people to pray for his recovery.

“India’s Captain Smit used his presence of mind and courage,” PM Modi said, referring to the incident involving Flydubai flight FZ1073. He added that Machchhar’s actions helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major tragedy.

The Prime Minister said Captain Machchhar was receiving medical treatment and expressed hope that he would recover quickly. He also noted that people across the world had taken note of the Indian pilot’s courage.

Captain Smit Machchhar was seriously injured during the mid-air incident involving the Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Despite sustaining serious injuries, he demonstrated presence of mind and continued to act to protect those on board.

PM Modi had earlier described Machchhar as a hero and said his courage and determination had helped save hundreds of lives. He had also wished the pilot renewed strength, good health and a speedy recovery.

The Prime Minister’s remarks came during the UPSC centenary celebrations, held on Thursday to mark 100 years of the constitutional recruitment body’s institutional journey.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar