Chandigarh, October 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Rajya Sabha MP and Sun Foundation Chairman Dr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney has announced a ₹25 lakh bravery award in the name of Captain Smit Machchhar, honouring the Indian pilot for his courage and presence of mind during a life-threatening attack in the cockpit of a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The award, named the Smit Machchhar Bravery Award, recognises the pilot’s actions during the mid-air incident in which he sustained serious injuries but continued to act courageously, helping avert a potential tragedy and safeguard the lives of around 170 passengers.
Appreciating Captain Machchhar’s bravery and selflessness, Dr. Sahney said such acts reflected the finest spirit of India and should 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 in recognition of his exemplary courage and commitment to saving lives.
The MP said the initiative was also aligned with the Sun Foundation’s commitment to creating educational and professional opportunities for underprivileged youth, particularly in Punjab.
The foundation provides free skill training to thousands of young people through nearly 20 courses, including aviation, with the objective of improving their employment prospects and enabling them to pursue specialised careers.
Highlighting the foundation’s efforts to promote aviation careers among economically disadvantaged students, Dr. Sahney cited the example of Kulveer Kaur, the daughter of an Anganwadi worker from Barnala, whose pilot training was supported by the Sun Foundation.
With the foundation’s assistance, Kulveer underwent pilot training in India and South Africa and has since become a commercial pilot.
Dr. Sahney announced that the foundation would further expand its pilot-training programme for economically disadvantaged youth by introducing scholarships in Captain Smit Machchhar’s name.
The initiative aims to turn the pilot’s act of courage into a lasting source of inspiration while helping deserving young people access professional aviation training and pursue careers in the sector.
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