Abu Dhabi BAPS Hindu Mandir holds special prayers for injured pilot Smit Machchhar

Special prayers were offered at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi for the speedy recovery of Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, as the Indian Embassy in the UAE said on Sunday that he was recovering well and remained in good spirits.

The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) said swamis and devotees at the temple gathered to pray for Machchhar and honour his courage during the mid-air incident.

Indian Ambassador to the UAE Deepak Mittal shared the message on X and said prayers were continuing for the pilot’s recovery. He added that the embassy remained in contact with local authorities and Machchhar’s family and was extending all possible assistance.

Machchhar was injured during a September 30 incident aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Israel. According to the account of the incident, another pilot allegedly attacked him in the cockpit, causing the aircraft to begin losing altitude.

Machchhar, despite being injured, fought the attacker and opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and overpower the assailant. The seriously injured pilot was stabilised before the aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

The incident has drawn praise from leaders in both India and the UAE. On Saturday, Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Deputy Prime Minister Hamdan bin Mohammed visited Machchhar in hospital and praised his courage and commitment to protecting human life.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to Machchhar over a video call and praised his courage, presence of mind and composure, saying his actions had helped save more than 170 passengers and crew members.

“The whole country is praying for you. ‘Maha Mrityunjaya Jaap’ is being performed for you and your health. Your courage, presence of mind and composure saved many lives,” Modi told him.

The Prime Minister said India could take pride in a tradition of people being willing to risk their own lives to save others.

The BAPS Hindu Mandir, inaugurated in Abu Dhabi in February 2024, is the first traditional Hindu temple in the UAE. It has since emerged as a major place of worship and community gathering in the Gulf nation.