-Gurugram District Bar Association cites pilot’s courageous efforts to save around 180 people aboard Flydubai flight
Gurugram : The Gurugram District Bar Association has urged the government to confer the Ashoka Chakra, the country’s highest peacetime gallantry award, on Capt Smit Machchhar for his bravery and exceptional courage during the Flydubai flight incident.
The Bar Association submitted a memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister to the District Administration in Gurugram. Following directions from the District Commissioner, the Gurugram Tehsildar received the memorandum from the Bar Association delegation and assured the members that it would be forwarded immediately to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
According to the memorandum, Capt Smit Machchhar put his own life at risk and played a crucial role in saving the lives of around 180 people aboard the Flydubai flight. The Association said his courage, presence of mind and commitment to duty not only helped protect the lives of the passengers but also brought recognition and honour to India at the international level.
The memorandum further stated that Capt Machchhar’s courageous efforts have been widely appreciated across the country and have enhanced India’s reputation globally. The Bar Association urged the Prime Minister to consider conferring the Ashoka Chakra on Capt Machchhar on the occasion of the Republic Day on January 26 in recognition of his exceptional contribution.
Bar Association office-bearers and lawyers join delegation
The delegation that submitted the memorandum included Gurugram District Bar Association President Kulbhushan Bhardwaj, Advocate Narendra Chhaukar, Bar Association Secretary Advocate Prashant Thakran, Vice-President Sahil Rao, Joint Secretary Advocate Vikram, Women Vice-President Renu Maheshwari, Advocate Sanjay Gupta, Advocate Arun Sharma, Advocate Dr Anju Rawat Negi, Advocate Hemant (former Secretary), Advocate Rahul (former Secretary), Advocate Bal Kishan (former Secretary), Advocate Gunjan Bhardwaj and Advocate Arun Malik, besides a large number of other advocates.
‘Capt Machchhar’s courage has enhanced India’s honour’
Speaking on the occasion, Gurugram District Bar Association President Kulbhushan Bhardwaj said Capt Smit Machchhar’s “brave and unparalleled contribution” and his indomitable courage had enhanced India’s honour and prestige across the world.
Bhardwaj said the memorandum submitted by the Bar Association to the Prime Minister specifically called for Capt Machchhar to be conferred the Ashoka Chakra on January 26.
He also appreciated the Prime Minister’s interaction with Capt Machchhar and his efforts to enquire about the pilot’s well-being. Bhardwaj expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for the gesture.
“Capt Smit Machchhar has demonstrated extraordinary courage and an exceptional commitment to duty, making every Indian proud,” Bhardwaj said, adding that the entire country holds him in high regard for his courageous act.
‘Previous examples of civilian pilots support our demand’
Gurugram District Bar Association Secretary Advocate Prashant Thakran said the Association’s demand was logical and based on historical precedents. He pointed out that two civilian pilots were awarded the Ashoka Chakra in 1955 and 1967 for acts of exceptional bravery, after they risked their lives to protect aircraft and people during terrorist incidents.
Thakran said these precedents and the tradition of recognising exceptional civilian courage should be taken into consideration while evaluating Capt Smit Machchhar’s case. “Keeping these earlier examples and the tradition of honouring extraordinary bravery in mind, Capt Smit Machchhar should also be conferred the Ashoka Chakra,” he said.
He added that Capt Machchhar’s courage, dedication to duty and willingness to put his own life at risk to save others reflected the exceptional nature of his contribution.
