Udaipur, Rajasthan: A pair of traditional turban makers in Udaipur have created a specially designed headpiece to honour Captain Smit Machchhar, whose actions reportedly helped save 174 passengers aboard a Flydubai flight.
Jinesh and Jayant Kothari, associated with Udaipur-based turban-making establishment Shahi Taj, have named their creation the ‘Captain Smit Machchhar 174 Bravery Turban’. The artisans are now seeking assistance from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to ensure that the tribute reaches the pilot.
The design brings together Rajasthan’s traditions of courage and honour with elements inspired by aviation. Saffron has been used to represent bravery and regional pride, while sky blue reflects the vastness of the skies. The number ‘174’ and the word ‘Sahas’, meaning courage, are also prominent features.
Traditional Mewar craftsmanship meets aviation
The artisans said they were moved by accounts of Captain Machchhar’s actions and felt proud to learn about his Indian origin. They decided to express their appreciation through a craft closely associated with the cultural identity of Mewar.
The turban has been prepared in the traditional Bhopalshahi style, which reflects the region’s heritage of creating distinctive headwear for important occasions and to honour notable personalities.
According to Jinesh, the intricate piece took approximately four to five days to complete. The makers wanted its colours and symbols to communicate both the pilot’s reported bravery and the cultural traditions of Rajasthan.
PMO approached to deliver the tribute
Jinesh and Jayant said they had written to the PMO requesting help in presenting the turban to Captain Machchhar. They are also attempting to establish contact with Flydubai and relevant authorities in India and the United Arab Emirates.
Their aim, they said, is to ensure that the headpiece reaches the pilot as a mark of appreciation from Mewar.
The makers added that Shahi Taj has previously prepared turbans for prominent personalities in India and overseas. However, they consider this creation particularly meaningful because it recognises an act of courage in aviation.
For the two artisans, the tribute will be complete when Captain Machchhar receives and wears the turban, turning a piece of traditional Rajasthani craftsmanship into a symbol of gratitude for his reported actions.
