Mumbai pilot Smit Machchhar nominated for Mother Teresa Memorial Award for saving 174 lives

The trophy embodies both the physical appearance and spirit of Mother Teresa. Pic/By Special Arrangement

The world is Smit-ten not bitten by Machchhar, and even as the accolades pour in, Mumbai's Harmony Foundation has nominated Captain Smit Machchhar for the Mother Teresa Memorial Awards for Social Justice 2026 in recognition of the hero pilot's saving 174 lives aboard a flight he was captaining from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

[popcorn number="174" desc="No of those on Capt Smit Machchhar's flight" class="Default"]

Terror plot

His Omani co-pilot assaulted him in a bid to take control of the aircraft and crash it 9/11-style, in a jihadi terrorist plot. Despite being bloody and battered, Machchhar fought back, opened the cockpit door, and he and other passengers controlled the situation, subdued the co-pilot intent on killing all, a majority of whom were Jews, and brought the plane down safely in Saudi Arabia.

Hero honour

Dr Abraham Mathai, founder-chairman, Harmony Foundation, said, "It is time to honour a hero. The Mother Teresa Memorial Awards for Social Justice is an annual event that celebrates and commemorates the legacy of Mother Teresa. Instituted in 2005 by the Harmony Foundation, the award honours those who seek peace and are torchbearers of social justice and compassion in a world in constant turmoil. With a history spanning 21 years, the prestigious award has been received by heads of state, Nobel Laureates, global organisations and exceptional individuals around the world." The award function will be held in Mumbai in November 2026.

Beyond duty

Mathai said Capt Machchhar's actions went far beyond the call of duty. "His extraordinary bravery is an epitome of humanity in action, and the passengers who witnessed it have hailed him as a true hero. The world is celebrating a man whose presence of mind and compassionate heart showed what one person can do for others. Had Capt Machchhar given in to his injuries, the outcome could have been unthinkable. Had he not fought back and opened that cockpit door, passengers and crew would not have been able to reach the flight deck, and the aircraft could have crashed."

Past winners

Harmony Foundation salutes his bravery and wishes him a swift and complete recovery. Previous recipients include Ratan Tata, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and late environmentalist Tulsi Gowda.