Breaking: MP Vikram Sahney announces Rs 25 lakh Bravery Award for Captain Smit Machchhar
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, October 3, 2026: Rajya Sabha MP and Sun Foundation Chairman Dr Vikramjit Singh Sahney has announced a ₹25 lakh ‘Smit Machchhar Bravery Award’ to honour Captain Smit Machchhar for his alleged act of extraordinary courage during a life-threatening cockpit attack on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
According to Dr Sahney, Captain Machchhar sustained serious injuries but remained composed and acted swiftly during the incident, helping avert a potentially major tragedy and safeguarding the lives of around 170 passengers.
Appreciating the captain’s courage and presence of mind, Dr Sahney said such acts of selflessness represent the spirit of India and can serve as an inspiration for the younger generation.
Dr Sahney has also written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting that Captain Machchhar be considered for the Ashoka Chakra and the National Bravery Award.
Award to support youth pilot training
Dr Sahney said the new award would also be linked to the Sun Foundation’s efforts to create opportunities for youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The foundation provides free skill training in nearly 20 courses, including aviation, to youth in Punjab. As part of its aviation initiative, the Sun Foundation previously supported the pilot training of Kulveer Kaur, daughter of an Anganwadi worker from Barnala. She underwent pilot training in India and South Africa and is now a commercial pilot.
Dr Sahney announced that the foundation would further strengthen its pilot-training programme by offering scholarships in Captain Smit Machchhar’s name to economically disadvantaged aspiring pilots.
He said the initiative would seek to turn the captain’s reported act of courage into a lasting opportunity for young people pursuing careers in aviation.