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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline OCTOBER 23, 2026 | The Indian Eye 42

Two Nations, One Heart:

A Historic Celebration of Humanity,

Bravery, and Unity

FISANA and Unity for Cause Honor Captain Smit Machchar at a Grand

Ceremony at Royal Albert’s Palace, New Jersey

NEERAJ DHAR ebrate the universal values of compassion, service, Cause; Suresh Patel, FISANA President; Vishnu
and solidarity. Patel, FISANA President-Elect for 2027–2028; Al-
Edison, New Jersey
According to accounts shared at the event, the bert Jasani of Royal Albert’s Palace, Dr. Mukund
n a powerful celebration of humanity, extraor- aircraft plunged approximately 14,000 feet with- Thakar of Arista Care - Indian nursing home ini-
dinary courage, and interfaith unity, the Feder- in seconds, placing the lives of 174 passengers in tiatives; and Dr. Sudhir Parikh, CEO of Parikh
Iation of Indo-American Seniors Association of jeopardy. Speakers praised Captain Machchar’s Worldwide Media, along with numerous commu-
North America (FISANA) and Unity for Cause or- handling of the emergency and emphasized the nity leaders and volunteers. Distinguished guests
ganized a grand ceremony at Royal Albert Palace importance of remaining calm, focused, and deci- and speakers included Consul Tsewang Gyalston of
in New Jersey honoring Captain Smit Machchar, sive under extraordinary pressure. The ceremony the Consulate General of India; Parsippany Mayor
the Indian pilot whose courage, professionalism, honored not only his professional expertise but Pulkit Desai; Woodbridge Councilman Viru Patel;
and determination reportedly saved 174 passen- also the humanitarian spirit reflected in his com- Edison Democratic Council President Joe Coyle;
gers aboard a FlyDubai Boeing 737 during an avi- mitment to protecting human life. It conveyed a Marlboro Township Deputy Mayor Juned Qazi;
ation emergency on September 30, 2026. Approx- powerful message that true heroism transcends Edison Council Member Asaf Shmuel.
imately 500 distinguished guests, elected officials, national borders, religions, cultures, and commu- In their remarks, elected officials and commu-
community leaders, religious representatives, and nity identities. nity representatives praised Captain Machchar’s
members of the Indian American and Jewish com- The program was organized through the col- courage and determination, emphasizing that pro-
munities gathered to recognize his bravery and cel- lective leadership of Piyush Patel of Unity for Continued on next page... >>

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