Acharya praises Captain Smit Machchhar’s courage and spiritual strength (Img: Dynamite News)
New Delhi: Acharya Shri Ramchandra Das Ji Maharaj, revered successor to the Tulsi Peeth of Chitrakoot and a disciple of Jagadguru Pujya Swami Shri Rambhadracharya Ji Maharaj, has praised Captain Smit Machchhar for his courage in saving the lives of passengers, saying such extraordinary acts demonstrate the power of inner strength and spiritual energy.
Speaking to Dynamite News Editor-in-Chief Manoj Tibrewal Akash, Acharya Ramchandra Das Ji Maharaj said India’s greatness was not defined merely by its infrastructure, economic system or material facilities, but by the courage, sacrifice and dedication of its people.
“I always say that the countries of the world are great because of their tall buildings, they are great because of their good facilities, they are great because of their economic system. But the soil of India is great because of its courage, effort, sacrifice and dedication.”
Referring to the incident involving Captain Smit Machchhar, the Acharya said the pilot’s actions had drawn praise in India and across the world.
“And in the same way, we all saw yesterday's incident of Captain Smit Machchhar, the way he saved the lives of 9-11 passengers, he saved the lives of so many passengers, he is amazing in himself. The whole of India and the whole world is praising him for his courage.”
Acharya Ramchandra Das Ji Maharaj linked such courage to the importance of maintaining a positive and spiritually grounded mind. He said physical strength alone could not explain acts of extraordinary courage and self-sacrifice.
“And this energy will not come from body building or eating all kinds of powders. This energy will come from the energy of spirituality.”
He said spiritual practice, devotion and positive thinking could provide people with the mental strength needed to confront difficult situations.
“When we take refuge in our God, worship Hanumanji Maharaj, and at the same time, keep our mind full of positive thoughts, then we get the inspiration to do this kind of exemplary courage.”
The Acharya also spoke about the importance of Hanuman Chalisa as part of an initiative aimed at awakening the country’s youth. According to him, Hanumanji represents strength, wisdom, knowledge and courage, while spiritual practice can help young people channel their energy constructively.
He said the Ramananda Mission, under the guidance and initiative of Pujya Gurudev, was working towards encouraging the recitation of Hanuman Chalisa among more than 11 crore people.
The Acharya said the objective was not financial support but participation in the spiritual initiative.
“We do not need any financial support from the whole country. We do not need anything. We need the refuge of Hanuman Chalisa with 11 crore Hanuman Chalisa.”
He further outlined programmes involving thousands of students and youths, saying that the larger objective was to build inner strength through spirituality.
Acharya Ramchandra Das Ji Maharaj said the courage displayed by individuals in difficult circumstances should also serve as a reminder of the importance of keeping one’s thoughts positive and maintaining a sense of purpose.
He said India’s youth had historically played a central role in spreading knowledge and ideas, and that the country’s future would depend on how its young people used their energy and capabilities.
