COURAGEOUS LADY

Neerja Bhanot is remembered as symbol of unparalleled bravery and sacrifice. Her extraordinary act of courage during the hijacking Pan Am Flight 73 in 1986 is inspiration of millions of people. She was not just brave in face of terrorists but also in everyday situations where injustice occurred.

Neerja was brave from teenage years, once her brother Anish Bhanot told story that Neerja once witnessed a man physically his wife in their neighborhood at that time she was 19 years old. Most of people ignored the situation or hesitated to intervene, Neerja driven by her deep sense of right and wrong, immediately stepped to protect the woman. She confronted the man without any fear, demanding that he stop hurting his wife. Despite being aware of the potential danger in facing an aggressive person, Neerja's determination to stand up for what was right never wavered. Her intervention led to the man stopping violent behavior and she made sure the woman was safe.

Neerja Bhanot had brief and challenging marriage. At age of 21, she married a man who was based in the Gulf, but the marriage turned out to be difficult. Her husband reportedly mistreated her and she faced significant emotional and psychological abuse during their short time together. She ended her marriage within two months and her family also supported her. In 1985, she joined Pan Am as airhostess, an American airline.

On 5th September 1986, Pan Am Flight 73 was highjacked by heavily armed terrorists belonging to the Abu Nidal Organization while plane was on ground at Karachi Airport in Pakistan. The terrorists sought to target American Citizens on board and intended to use the plane for further destructive purpose. Neerja was on duty as senior flight purser that day, just two days before birthday. Despite imminent danger, she remained calm and composed. She managed to alert the cockpits crew, who escape away from the plane, preventing the terrorists from control of the aircraft and flying it to new destination.

Neerja displayed presence of mind, she led her crew and hide passports of American citizens to save them from being targeted. As the situation escalated and terrorists opened fire, Neerja took immediate action to open the emergency gate and guided passengers for safety. In final act of heroism, Neerja shielded 3 children from gunfire and she was shot. In this way she sacrificed her life and saved 359 passengers.

For her bravery Indian government awarded her with Ashok Chakra, Pakistani awarded her with Tamgha-e-Pakistan, American awarded her with Justice for crime award.