Speaking from a hospital with head bandages visible, Captain Macchar described the desperate life-or-death struggle inside the cockpit when his co-pilot launched a physical assault with weapons, causing the aircraft to drop steeply from cruise altitude. Macchar revealed that despite sustaining severe head injuries and falling to the floor, he gathered his strength to reach up and unlock the secure cockpit door to allow passengers and off-duty crew inside to intervene. He shared that throughout the assault and the aircraft's sharp descent, he recited verses from the Hanuman Chalisa while maintaining focus on opening the door to prevent a total disaster. Prime Minister Modi commended Captain Macchar's extraordinary bravery and resilience, stating that his courageous actions saved over 170 lives and made all 1.4 billion Indians immensely proud.