Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchar, saying his courageous and quick-thinking action prevented a “9/11-like” incident.
Modi made the remarks while addressing the centenary celebrations of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in Delhi, where he also released a commemorative coin, a postal stamp and a book.
In his speech, the Prime Minister said public service should be guided by the principle of putting the nation and citizens first. He noted that people no longer want to wait weeks or months for services and called on public institutions to respond accordingly.
Referring to the recent incident involving Captain Machchar, Modi said the pilot’s bravery has made every Indian proud. He added that he had spoken to Machchar’s father Bhupendra Bhai, mother Geeta Behen and wife Sonal Behen.
The Prime Minister said Captain Machchar is currently undergoing treatment and appealed to citizens to pray for his long life and good health, and to honour him for bringing pride to India.
