From left: Deepak Jogi, Rajendra Jogi, Capt Smit’s parents Upendra and Geetaben Machchhar, and Suresh Jogi
Smit eventually achieved his dream of becoming a pilot and joined SpiceJet, where he served for 11 years. Because he could not let the passengers die, he said that when he realised the aircraft was going down, he knew he had to get up despite his injuries.
Rajendra Jogi, who lives in the Kolkhed area of Akola, said Smit has always been down-to-earth and dedicated to whatever he did. “If a colleague needed help with work, Smit would make sure the task was completed,” he said. In a video call from his hospital bed, Smit told Prime Minister Narendra Modi he kept reciting Hanuman Chalisa during the crisis. “When we learnt that Smit, despite his injuries, continued fighting to save the passengers, our fear turned into pride,” the uncles said. “Smit was very good at drawing,” said Rajendra. “At one point, Smit told us that he wanted to become a pilot. His mother and father stood firmly behind his decision,” Rajendra said. Around four years ago, he moved to flydubai, said Rajendra.
That dedication, he believes, later became an important part of Smit’s professional journey. BJP MLC Vasant Khandelwal too met Smit’s uncles, aunt and cousin at their Akola residence. Rajendra remembers Smit as a simple, affectionate and disciplined child. His creativity was another aspect that stood out during his childhood. But aviation was always on his mind. Everyone supported him.
Ministry of External Affairs said on Saturday that Machchhar was recovering well and remained under excellent medical care.