Gujarat to honour pilot Smit Machchhar with ‘Visisht Gujarat Garima Award’

The Gujarat government will honour Indian pilot Smit Machchhar with the Visisht Gujarat Garima Award for his alleged act of extraordinary bravery after he thwarted an attempt by his co-pilot to crash a Flydubai flight, despite sustaining stab injuries.

Machchhar, who is currently undergoing treatment, has been widely praised for taking control of the situation and protecting the lives of passengers on board. Gujarat Chief Minister Patel announced the state honour on Thursday, describing the pilot's actions as a source of pride for both Gujarat and the country.

Patel said Machchhar continued to perform his duty despite being seriously injured in the attack. According to his post on X, the pilot helped save the lives of 174 passengers on the flight headed towards Israel.

The chief minister said Machchhar's courage had brought recognition to Gujarat and India, adding that the state would confer the Visisht Gujarat Garima Award in recognition of his bravery and humanity.

The pilot is originally from Gujarat, officials said, although his family moved to Mumbai several years ago.

Special prayers at Somnath temple

Prayers have also been offered at the Somnath temple for Machchhar's recovery and long life.

The Somnath temple trust organised a special worship ceremony for the pilot and began a Mahamrityunjaya Mantra Japa ritual, seeking his speedy recovery.

In a post on X, the temple described Machchhar as a source of pride for the nation and praised his courage and dedication to duty during the flight to Tel Aviv.

Patel also shared the temple's prayer post and appealed for blessings for Machchhar's recovery and long life.

With PTI inputs