Varanasi: Special religious rituals were performed at Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham on Thursday to honour FlyDubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar’s extraordinary courage, steadfast devotion to duty and selfless efforts to safeguard 174 lives and prevent a mid-air disaster.In the evening, special prayers were also offered during the Ganga aarti at Namo Ghat and at the Ganga Dwar of Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple at Lalita Ghat. Devotees and local residents joined the prayers, seeking divine grace for the Indian pilot’s recovery and his safe return to duty.The Indian commercial airline pilot Captain Machchhar is being hailed globally for his heroic act. He was commanding Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday when a violent confrontation erupted in the cockpit as his co-pilot stabbed him multiple times in his alleged bid to crash the aircraft. Despite being injured, the captain, who hails from Ghatkopar in Mumbai and is believed to be in his mid-30s, managed to fight off the assailant and regain control of the aircraft, helping avert a major tragedy.To salute his valour and pray for his speedy recovery, Kashi Vishwanath Temple priests unanimously decided to hold the special rituals for speedy recovery of Machchhar. “At Kashi Vishwanath Dham, 21 scholars performed Rudrabhishek with kusha-infused water, while 11 scholars chanted 1 lakh Mahamrityunjaya mantras, invoking blessings for his quick recovery, strength, and well-being,” said senior priest Sanjay Kumar Pandey, mentioning that the initiative to hold these rituals reflects India’s eternal Sanatan spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and universal brotherhood.“By fulfilling his duty with such dedication, he has certainly made India proud,” Pandey said. He added that the ceremony was held to honour Captain Machchhar’s exemplary courage, commitment to duty and efforts to protect human life.“With this objective, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust, along with the entire family associated with the Trust, is conducting this ritual,” he said.Through his X post, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded Captain Machchhar’s extraordinary courage and resolve despite serious injury, noting that his valor averted a major tragedy and saved hundreds of lives. Modi said, “Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO. In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others. His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy. India is proud of Captain Machchhar.”
