Neerja Bhanot was just 22 years old when she made the ultimate sacrifice. For saving the lives of hundreds of passengers during the hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73, she paid with her own. She became the first and youngest female recipient of India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, the Ashoka Chakra, which was awarded to her posthumously.
Born on September 7, 1963, in Chandigarh, Neerja initially started out as a model in Mumbai. She had a reasonably successful career, doing ad campaigns and featuring in commercials, but soon enough, her career path took a different turn. In 1985, Neerja applied to Pan American World Airways to become a flight attendant. After her selection, she flew to Miami for training and quickly earned a reputation for being a dependable and calm employee.
The Day Of The Hijacking
On September 5, 1986, just two days before her 23rd birthday, Neerja was on duty as the senior flight purser on Pan Am Flight 73. The flight, heading from Mumbai to New York, was hijacked during a stopover in Karachi, Pakistan, by four heavily armed terrorists.
In the chaos that followed, Neerja's quick thinking helped the cockpit crew escape. Her actions stopped the terrorists from taking control of the plane. Over the next few hours, Neerja worked tirelessly to keep the passengers safe, even though the situation was extremely tense. When the hijackers began firing at passengers, Neerja could have saved herself but chose to stay on board, protecting others. In a final act of bravery, she shielded three children from gunfire and was fatally shot.
Remembering Neerja’s Heroism
Neerja’s bravery didn’t go unnoticed. In 1987, she was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra. She was also honoured with the Tamgha-e-Pakistan, Pakistan’s highest civilian award, for her compassion during the hijacking.
Neerja’s family set up the Neerja Bhanot Pan Am Trust, which recognises Indian women who overcome social injustice and airline crew members who demonstrate courage during crises. This trust is one way that her legacy continues to impact and inspire people.
Neerja’s story has been recognised in many ways. Neerja Bhanot Chowk, a square in Mumbai, is named after her, and in 2004, the Indian Postal Service released a commemorative stamp in her honour.
In 2016, Neerja's story was told on the big screen through the biopic ’Neerja’, with actor Sonam Kapoor in the lead role. The film gave viewers a closer look at Neerja’s personal life and the courage she displayed during the hijacking. It received widespread praise and won several awards, including the National Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.
Neerja Bhanot’s bravery continues to inspire people today. Her selfless actions saved hundreds of lives, and she became a national hero at just 22.