Neerja Bhanot was a courageous Indian flight attendant who was born on September 7, 1963, and tragically lost her life on September 5, 1986. Her life story is an inspiring and moving one that showcases her selflessness and bravery in the face of danger.
Neerja Bhanot's most notable act of heroism occurred during the Pan Am Flight 73 hijacking on September 5, 1986. She was the senior flight purser on the flight, which was en route from Mumbai, India, to the United States with a stopover in Karachi, Pakistan. The aircraft was hijacked by terrorists from the Abu Nidal Organization.
Despite being in a perilous situation, Neerja Bhanot displayed remarkable courage and quick thinking. She helped hide the passports of American passengers on the plane to protect them from the terrorists and managed to communicate with the ground crew to convey crucial information about the hijackers' activities. Her actions allowed many passengers to escape through emergency exits while she, along with some other crew members, remained on board.
Tragically, Neerja Bhanot lost her life while shielding three children from gunfire during the hijacking. She was posthumously awarded several honors for her bravery, including the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award. Her sacrifice and heroism continue to be remembered and celebrated in India and around the world.
Neerja Bhanot's story is a testament to the bravery and selflessness of individuals in the face of adversity, and she is considered a symbol of courage and inspiration for generations to come. Her birthday, September 7th, is observed as "Neerja Bhanot Day" in India to honor her memory and commemorate her extraordinary act of heroism.
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