MP Vikram Sahney announces Rs 25 lakh bravery award for Captain Smit Machchhar after flydubai cockpit attack
PTC Web Desk: Rajya Sabha MP and Sun Foundation Chairman Dr Vikramjit Singh Sahney has announced a Rs 25 lakh “Smit Machchhar Bravery Award” to honour Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage during a life-threatening cockpit attack on a flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
According to Sahney, Captain Machchhar sustained serious injuries during the incident but displayed exceptional courage and presence of mind, helping avert a potentially major tragedy and protecting the lives of around 170 passengers.
Recognising the captain’s actions, MP Sahney said such an act of courage and selflessness reflected the spirit of India and could serve as an inspiration for young people.
Sahney has also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking consideration of Captain Machchhar for the Ashoka Chakra and the National Bravery Award in recognition of his actions.
The Rs 25 lakh award will also be linked to the Sun Foundation’s efforts to create educational and career opportunities for underprivileged youth. The foundation currently provides free skill-based training in nearly 20 courses, including aviation, to thousands of young people in Punjab.
As part of its aviation initiative, Sun Foundation earlier supported the pilot training of Kulveer Kaur, the daughter of an anganwadi worker from Barnala. She underwent training in India and South Africa and has since become a commercial pilot.
Sahney said the foundation would now further expand its pilot-training programme for economically disadvantaged youth through scholarships named after Captain Smit Machchhar.
The initiative, he said, would seek to turn Captain Machchhar’s act of bravery into a lasting source of inspiration and opportunity for young people aspiring to build careers in aviation.
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- PTC NEWS
