Nationwide Prayers for Pilot
Indians offer prayers and tributes across the country for injured Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar.
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At Somnath Temple in Gujarat, a continuous Mahamrityunjaya Mantra japa was begun for Machchhar’s health and long life. Organizers said the prayers reflected the ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” or the world as one family.
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The attack reportedly sent the aircraft into a steep descent: the ANI report said it lost about 16,000 feet in two minutes before a hijacking distress signal was transmitted.
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Sonal Machchhar said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken with her husband by video call on Friday, and that the family was “immensely proud” of the pilot.
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After receiving treatment in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, Machchhar was transferred to the UAE, according to News18.
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Google Trends data cited by NDTV showed search interest in Machchhar rising after news of the incident and reaching a relative-interest peak of 100 on October 2 at 9:30 a.m.; the report notes that the score measures relative interest, not total searches.
Indians across the country have offered prayers and tributes for Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar, who was seriously injured during a cockpit attack on a flight headed to Tel Aviv. ANI News reported that the attack sent the aircraft into a steep dive, losing about 16,000 feet in two minutes before crew members transmitted a hijacking distress signal. Machchhar's quick thinking and composure helped save all 180 people aboard the flight.
Special prayers have been held at temples and community centers nationwide. At Somnath Temple in Gujarat, continuous chanting of the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra — an ancient healing prayer — began for Machchhar's recovery and long life. His wife, Sonal, thanked the public for their support, saying she was "overwhelmed and grateful" that her husband and everyone aboard survived.
Prayers at Somnath Temple Reflect 'One World' Philosophy
Somnath Temple in Gujarat initiated continuous chanting of the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra for Machchhar's health. Temple organizers said the prayers reflected the ancient Indian principle of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" — meaning the world is one family. The mantra is traditionally recited to invoke healing and protection during times of serious illness or injury.
Delhi Community Holds Prayer Meeting for Injured Pilot
Dr. Shobha Vijender, founder of the community organization Sampurna, organized a prayer meeting in Delhi for Machchhar's recovery. ANI News reported that attendees praised the pilot's courage and sense of duty during the crisis. The gathering brought together members of the Delhi community to show solidarity with the injured captain and his family.
Prime Minister Modi Calls Pilot, Family Expresses Pride
Sonal Machchhar revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken with her husband by video call on Friday. She said the family was "immensely proud" of Smit's actions during the emergency. News18 reported that after receiving initial treatment in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, Machchhar was transferred to a hospital in the UAE for continued care.
National Attention Peaks as Search Interest Surges
Interest in Machchhar's story spread rapidly across India following news of the incident. NDTV cited Google Trends data showing search interest reaching a peak score of 100 on October 2 at 9:30 a.m. The score measures relative search interest rather than total number of searches, but it reflects how the captain's story captured public attention nationwide.
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