Neerja Bhanot: The Braveheart Who Sacrificed Her Life to Save Others
Neerja Bhanot was a flight attendant who became a hero when she made the ultimate sacrifice to save passengers during a terrorist hijacking. Born in Chandigarh in 1963, Neerja began her career as a model and later joined Pan Am airlines as a flight attendant.
On September 5, 1986, Neerja was working on Pan Am Flight 73, which was hijacked by terrorists at Karachi airport in Pakistan. The terrorists, who were members of the Abu Nidal Organization, were targeting Americans and Israelis on the flight. Neerja quickly took charge and did everything in her power to protect the passengers.
She managed to alert the pilots and ground crew about the hijacking, which allowed them to escape before the terrorists could take control of the cockpit. Neerja then helped the passengers to evacuate the plane, even though she was not required to do so as per her job description. She showed remarkable bravery and compassion in the face of danger and risked her own life to save others.
Tragically, Neerja was shot and killed by the terrorists while shielding three children from the gunfire. Her heroic actions saved the lives of over 350 passengers, and she became a symbol of courage and compassion in the face of adversity.
Neerja's selfless sacrifice did not go unnoticed. She was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award, and several other honors. Her bravery inspired millions, and she became an icon of hope and courage.
Today, Neerja Bhanot's legacy lives on as a symbol of compassion, bravery, and sacrifice. She is an inspiration to all those who believe in standing up for what is right and helping others, no matter the cost. Her story is a reminder that one person can make a difference, and that bravery and kindness are the true markers of a hero.
In conclusion, Neerja Bhanot was a remarkable individual who sacrificed her life to save others during a terrorist hijacking. Her bravery and compassion continue to inspire people across the world, and her legacy lives on as a symbol of hope and courage. As we remember her on her birth anniversary, let us honor her memory and strive to live up to her ideals of selflessness and service.
Awards:
- Ashoka Chakra, 1987, India
- Tamgha-e-Pakistan (for showing incredible human kindness), Pakistan
- Flight Safety Foundation Heroism Award 1987, United States
- Justice for Crimes Award 2005, United States Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia, United States
- Special Courage Award 2006, United States Department of Justice, United States
- Civil Aviation Ministry Award 2011, India
- Bharat Gaurav Award presented at the House of Commons, UK Parliament on 2 July 2016