'I was reciting Hanuman Chalisa': flydubai pilot Machchhar tells PM Modi about cockpit ordeal

PM said the entire country is praying for Captain Smit Machchhar.NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke via video call with flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who helped foil his co-pilot's alleged attempt to crash an Israel-bound flight, and praised his courage, presence of mind and composure.During the conversation, Smit told the Prime Minister that whenever he faces difficulty, he recites the Hanuman Chalisa. He said he was reciting it during the tense moments aboard the flydubai flight as well.Captain Smit became emotional during the call and said it was a very special moment for him to speak with PM Modi. He also told the Prime Minister that Modi was his "biggest idol".PM Modi told Smit that the entire country was praying for him and praised his courage and resolve to protect the lives of those onboard.The Prime Minister said the country could proudly say that Indians are not those who take lives, but those who are willing to risk their own lives to save others.Also read: 'Is there doctor here? Do we have an extra pilot?' New video shows passengers rushing to flydubai cockpit during hijackPM Modi also spoke about Smit’s mother, Geeta Ben, and said she had raised him with the values and teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.Smit said receiving the Prime Minister's call made him extremely proud and that he had never imagined he would get an opportunity to speak with him.PM Modi had earlier lauded Machchhar's courage and unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised the him and said he had helped thwart a “9/11-like” disaster.PM Modi also spoke to Machchhar's wife and parents and praised his bravery.flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, transmitted emergency signals on Wednesday and rapidly lost altitude before diverting to Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The aircraft was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children.Videos circulating on social media showed Machchhar drenched in blood, wearing an oxygen mask and lying on his back in the aircraft galley.According to Netanyahu's account, an Israeli passenger told him that the aircraft began descending sharply before the passenger and a crew member managed to enter the cockpit. They then helped overpower the co-pilot, who was accused of stabbing Machchhar and attempting to sabotage the aircraft’s systems.The UAE has launched an investigation into the incident, and the motive behind the attack remains under investigation.