MyVoice: Views of our readers 4th October 2026

Wait for the investigation before praising the pilot

Many tributes are being showered on Flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar from various quarters, including the Israeli and Indian Prime Ministers, for his courage and presence of mind in averting

a major midair disaster. While the pilot’s actions deserve recognition if established by the investigation, several questions need answers before drawing conclusions. How was a knife allowed into the cockpit? Was there any rivalry or dispute between the pilots? Who attacked whom first? Under what circumstances did passengers enter the cockpit? What is the name of the co-pilot and what is his background? Is there any evidence of his links with extremist or terrorist groups? What does the cockpit voice recorder reveal? Were the statements of both injured pilots recorded, if they were capable of giving them? A thorough and impartial investigation should establish the facts before encomiums are poured on any individual, especially in such a serious matter. Public praise should follow verified facts, not precede them.

Dr N S R Murthy,Secunderabad-10

Experience blended with AI works well

Thisrefers to ‘What good is experience in the age of AI?’ (Oct 2). The debate should not pit experience against artificial intelligence, because neither can individually deliver the goods. A seasoned executive may carry two decades of judgment yet fail to understand how AI systems actually work.

A young professional may command powerful tools but lack the wisdom to ask the right questions. Experience tells us what happened; AI tells us what could happen across thousands of scenarios. The future belongs to those who combine both, using technology to expand capability while grounding decisions in human context, ethics, and accountability.

The wise executive will not defend the old hierarchy but learn new tools, and the young technologist will not dismiss experience but absorb it humbly.

Artificial intelligence cannot manufacture judgment, and experience cannot survive by refusing to adapt. The real question is not who wins, but how intelligently we bring the two together.

Babu Crishna,Bengaluru-560051

See the world through their eyes

Animalsshare our streets, forests, farms and homes, yet their lives are often affected by the way we use the world around us. Forests are cleared, water bodies disappear, roads expand and pollution increases. These changes can affect the food, shelter and safety that animals depend on. In connection with World Animal Day, which falls on October 4, it is worth reflecting on our responsibility towards the animals with whom we share this planet. Animals may not speak our language, but they feel pain, fear, stress and comfort. Animal welfare is therefore more than preventing cruelty. It means providing proper food, water, shelter, medical care and safe surroundings. Neglect, abandonment, illegal hunting, wildlife trafficking and the misuse of animals for entertainment can all cause suffering. Climate change, pollution and the loss of natural habitats are adding to these challenges. The theme of World Animal Day 2026 — “See the world through their eyes” — reminds us to think about how our choices affect animals. In India, organisations such as the Animal Welfare Board of India and PETA India, along with rescue groups, shelters and conservation organisations, work to promote animal welfare and respond to cruelty. Their efforts also remind the public that protecting animals is an everyday responsibility. We can contribute through simple actions—responsible pet ownership, protecting local habitats, reporting cruelty and refusing to support activities that exploit animals. When we learn to see the world through their eyes, we begin to understand that every creature deserves care, safety and a life free from unnecessary suffering.

Dr Krishna Kumar Vepakomma,Hyderabad

Animal welfare is a shared responsibility

Of late, there is a touch of apathy towards animal welfare. “Animal welfare” seems easy to practice but the subject demands untiring education and unwavering awareness. “World Animal Welfare Day” or animal day has been observed worldwide from 1925 on October 4. Writer, activist and dog lover Heinrich Zimmermann initiated this day. Loss of biodiversity and habitat, industrial farming and different types of pollution affect animals. “See the world through their eyes” is a sensitive and sympathetic theme for the 2026 animal welfare day. Animals are more than just living creatures. Protecting every animal, irrespective of whether they are endangered or not, is a shared responsibility. Globally, animals that are homeless, trapped and poached deserve attention. There can be a perceptible change in all stated goals of animal welfare when welfare of animals transcends the mundane, becoming a movement

Dr Ganapathi Bhat, Akola

Kudos to Capt Machchar’s bravado

Smit Machchar who had shown real valour in a crisis while flying the flight to Tel Aviv from Dubai and saved 174 passengers on-board is rightfully getting laurels from world leaders. His co-pilot reportedly stabbed him in order to sabotage the flight control which resulted in a sudden loss of cruising height for thousands of feet. Even in those demanding moments, the seriously injured Capt Machchar could act in a calm manner by opening the cockpit. This allowed the passengers to enter and resist the attacking co-pilot and two off-duty pilots to take control. But for his heroic act, the flight couldn’t get a safe landing. He deserves all praise.

Dr DVG Sankara Rao, ex-MP. Vizianagaram

An inspiration for generations

Thereare rare, defining moments when the thin line between tragedy and miracle rests entirely on the shoulders of a single person. The harrowing mid-air ordeal aboard Flydubai flight was one such moment. It gave the world an unforgettable testament to the heights of human valour in Capt Smit Machchhar. In the absolute isolation of a locked cockpit, facing a sudden and violent betrayal by his co-pilot, Captain Machchhar chose the lives of the passengers over his own survival. Though grievously wounded and bleeding profusely, in a desperate act of devotion to his duty he summoned the strength to signal an emergency and unlock the cabin door, allowing the crew and passengers to intervene and avert an imminent catastrophe. By saving the lives of 174 passengers, Machchhar did not just display exemplary airmanship; he exemplified the highest calling of humanity, reflecting the very best of the Indian spirit — courage that does not falter in the face of death. As this brave son of India recovers, he carries with him the profound gratitude of a global community. He is a true hero, and his story will inspire generations to come.

Ranganathan Sivakumar,Chennai-603210

Time to revisit air safety standards

Theoccurrence of an impending tragedy of the Flydubai flight is a reminder of the mid- air perilousness. It also brings to spotlight how bold men like Captain Smit Machchhar can act as saviours. Not only did he save the aircraft from crashing, he also made it possible for those aboard to enter the cockpit and counter the attacker. There an urgent need to revisit air safety standards and make suitable amends.

Dr Sunil Chopra,Ludhiana

Need for stronger aviation safety measures

Recentevents involving an Abu Dhabi-bound flight highlight the importance of maintaining the highest standards of safety in international aviation. Air travel connects people across countries, and even a minor emergency can have serious consequences for passengers and crew. Pilots and cabin crew must be given regular training to handle unexpected situations calmly and effectively. Airlines should also ensure that emergency systems, communication procedures and safety equipment are regularly checked and upgraded. Aviation authorities across countries must work together to identify possible risks and strengthen safety standards. Quick coordination between pilots, airlines, airports and emergency services can make a crucial difference during an in-flight emergency. Passenger safety should always remain the priority. Strong safety measures, proper training and international cooperation can make air travel safer and help maintain passengers’ confidence in flying.

Lasya Yinti, Hyderabad

A major mid-air disaster averted

Forthe 174 passengers who survived a stabbing incident in the cockpit of Flight 1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv and its potential fallout, it was a miraculous escape. The intervention by crew members and a few passengers averted a midair disaster. Capt Smit Machchhar showed the presence of mind to force open the cockpit door for passengers to gain entry into the flight deck and tackle and neutralise the pilot-turned-attacker. Two off-duty pilots providentially made it to the controls, pulled the plane of its nosedive, stabilized it and landed it safely. Flying an aircraft is no child’s play. That the plane plummeted more than 17, 000 feet in less than two minutes showed how catastrophic it could have been. Investigation will reveal the nature of the stabbing incident - an altercation, a hijacking attempt or an attempt to crash the plane - and the motive for it and also the mental health status of the Omani co-pilot. Security is a political issue in Israel and the incident is being politicized as a “jihadi attack” by a “radicalized pilot” even before the truth about what really happened is known. While Machchhar is being hailed as a hero across India and around the world for saving lives, it is not clear for what reason the incident is being sensationally reported by the government-aligned news channels in India in contrast to the matter-of-fact and less involved reporting of Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza. It is wrong to use the mass tragedy averted by Capt. Machchhar and others to deepen any divide.

G David Milton,Maruthancode (TN)

Politicising a heroic act

RahulGandhi chose to ignore the Indian pilot’s brave act of foiling the potential hijack of Dubai-Tel Aviv flight. The whole world has showered praises on the pilot, and, by default, to the Prime Minister himself. Everyone wants to see his or her own actions portrayed in public. For Rahul Gandhi, appreciating the pilot will immediately translate to praising Modi, which he does not desire at all. Rahul Gandhi always seeks to criticise the doings of the head of state, but this time, he does not have an opening for ‘Modi bashing’. The least he can do is remain silent on the issue. The world will always shower praises on those who perform heroic acts, but Indian politicians have forgotten to acknowledge them. If Rahul Gandhi is forced to respond, the only thing he can do is to deny that the incident took place. Politics prosper through hatred towards opponents.

Dr O Prasada Rao,Hyderabad

Protecting Children in the Digital Age

TheSupreme Court’s decision to seek the Centre’s response to a Public Interest Litigation seeking safeguards for minors on social media is a timely intervention. It highlights a growing concern that demands urgent attention. Children today enter the digital world at an increasingly young age. Social media offers opportunities for education, communication and creativity but unregulated access can expose children to cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, harmful content, online grooming, privacy violations, manipulation and excessive screen dependence. India already has safeguards under the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Information Technology Rules, 2021, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. However effective implementation remains a major challenge. The PIL appropriately raises concerns regarding age verification, parental consent and the legal capacity of minors to enter digital contracts. The Centre should develop a comprehensive child-safety framework incorporating privacy-preserving age assurance, effective parental controls, rapid removal of harmful content, stronger platform accountability and accessible grievance mechanisms. Such safeguards should protect children without unnecessarily restricting their legitimate access to digital education. Children must be protected not merely after harm occurs but through preventive safeguards embedded in the digital environment. The Court’s intervention should therefore encourage clear, enforceable and child-centric standards for social media platforms operating in India, while safeguarding their dignity.

A.C Vineeth Kumar,Thrissur-680651

Steep fall of equity prices -- Remedial measures

FromMonday to Thursday of the past week, Indian stock markets were dominated by bears. The huge outflow of FIIs, attractive high bond yields and abnormal prices of crude oil have caused this negative performance of equities on BSE and NSE. The erratic and volatile share markets dissuade Indians to shy away from making investments in equities. This development is neither justified nor desirable for the inclusive economic growth of our nation. It becomes a great hurdle to realise our dream to be the third biggest economy in the world soon. Presently, our markets are disproportionately influenced with the daily behaviour of FIIs. This historic tendency needs to be curbed with unified action of all agencies concerned. A nation of our size and population can ill-afford the luxury of being continuously controlled by FIIs. The investor education campaigns in all parts of the country are highly essential to disseminate the relevant knowledge. For majority of Indians, even after 79 years of independence, the rudiments of the share markets remain relatively unknown. They remain illiterate in financial matters. Unless and until each citizen acquires the requisite education adequately, the phobia of shares dominates their monetary behaviour. Our schools and colleges should make it a point to expose their students to the basic functioning of stock markets. It is the only remedy to eradicate the reluctance of our citizens to play a meaningful and decisive role in not only equity markets but in the corporate management. The tendency of certain promoters to make easy money by cheating investors is still allowed to continue. Corporate frauds making retail shareholders victims needs to be rooted out with efficient and effective functioning of all statutory regulatory agencies. This cleansing mechanism is necessary to attract more Indian money into our markets to reduce our dependence on foreign investors in a slow and steady manner.

Our proclaimed policy of self-reliance needs to be transformed into a reality with imaginative and intelligent planning with the active involvement of intellectuals. High volatility of equity markets for prolonged periods speaks of our insensitivity to this vital economic vehicle for accelerated economic growth to fulfil the aspirations of millions of our unemployed youth.

M V Nagavender Rao,Hyderabad-4

Beauty is all about inner wellbeing

It is true that beauty is more than just skin deep. It is closely connected with overall wellbeing. Today’s wellness and beauty industry focuses more on nutrition, hydration, adequate sleep, balanced diet, physical activity and mental well-being. For a glowing skin and radiance, it is equally important that along with skin care we give priority to how good and happy we feel from inside. Feeling beautiful from inside gives our skin a natural glow. Today’s consumers are more aware of what goes in the making of beauty products and buy accordingly. Despite heavy patronisation vitamin C, green tea, aloe-vera, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, no single ingredient can substitute for a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Along with serums, face creams, beauty packs and scrubs, there should be more awareness on how one feels from inside. External beauty and inner wellness should always exist together. Overall, the concept of beauty should be understood from a broader perspective.

Parimala G Tadas,Hyderabad-50

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The Hans India