Muqaddar Ka Sikandar: Courage, Faith and Leadership at 14,000 Feet

Mantralaya Times 05/10/2026

Captain Smit Machchhar, Visually Impaired Singer Suneel Lodhi of Hanuman Ansh Fame, and a Message to the Universe

Article by Adv. Dippak P. Shah

Some moments in life test years of preparation within seconds. The recent experience of Captain Smit Machchhar is one such moment.

On September 30, 2026, during Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Israel, Captain Machchhar faced an extraordinary situation when his co-pilot allegedly attacked him in the cockpit. Despite serious injuries, he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to intervene. Two additional pilots travelling on the flight helped take control of the aircraft, which eventually made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. All passengers and crew were safe.

The aircraft had plunged nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.

At that critical moment, years of training, discipline and professional experience came together.

Captain Machchhar has also spoken about reciting the Hanuman Chalisa during the incident. In his conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said that whenever he is in pain, he recites the Hanuman Chalisa and that he continued doing so during those critical moments.

Faith without action is incomplete. Action without discipline is dangerous. And discipline supported by faith can give a person extraordinary inner strength.

There is a popular expression in Hindi: “Muqaddar Ka Sikandar.” But destiny alone does not create success. It is hard work, discipline, courage and perseverance that prepare a person when destiny presents an opportunity.

As a simple thought in Marathi says:

“तुम्हीच तुमच्या जीवनाचे शिल्पकार आहात.” — You are the sculptor of your own life.

Captain Machchhar’s story reminds us that years of preparation may be tested in a matter of seconds.

A Different Journey, The Same Spirit of Courage

At FICCI FRAMES 2026 in Mumbai, I came across the inspiring story of Visually Impaired Singer Suneel Lodhi of Hanuman Ansh fame. A Bundelkhandi folk singer, Suneel has been visually impaired since childhood. With his tambura in hand and faith in his heart, he chose music as his path.

His performance of “Maine Tere Hi Bharose Hanuman” brought his voice to a wider audience. Behind that voice is a story of faith, perseverance and determination.

One was tested at 14,000 feet. The other was tested by the circumstances of life. Different journeys, different challenges—but the same spirit of courage.

Suneel’s story raises a powerful question:If determination can overcome the absence of sight, what can stop a person who has the vision to dream?

Leadership Beyond the Boardroom

The stories of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Captain Smit Machchhar and Singer Suneel Lodhi are very different, yet each reflects leadership, perseverance and the ability to remain focused when circumstances are difficult.

Leadership is not confined to a boardroom. Sometimes it is demonstrated at 14,000 feet, sometimes on a stage, and sometimes by a person carrying a tambura and finding his voice despite life’s limitations.

Captain Machchhar’s story has now travelled beyond the cockpit. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised him and invited him to participate in Israel’s next Independence Day ceremony, including the honour of lighting a ceremonial torch.

From extreme danger at 14,000 feet to an international honour, Captain Machchhar’s story has crossed borders and become a symbol of courage, humanity and friendship between India and Israel.

Captain Smit Machchhar faced an extraordinary moment at 14,000 feet. Suneel Lodhi found his own path through the challenges of life.

Two very different stories, yet both remind us of one simple truth: circumstances may shape our journey, but they do not have to define our destiny.

“Wahi hota hai jo Manzoor-e-Khuda hota hai.”

Adv. Dippak P. Shah