Neerja Bhanot: The first Indian woman to be honoured with the Ashoka Chakra
Neerja Bhanot, a 23-year-old flight attendant, showed extraordinary bravery during the hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73. She was awarded the Ashoka Chakra posthumously.
Neerja Bhanot was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, for her courageous actions during the hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 on September 5, 1986.
At the time of the hijacking, Neerja was a 23-year-old flight attendant working for Pan American World Airways. She showed remarkable bravery by trying to save the lives of the passengers on board.
During the hijacking, Neerja managed to alert the cockpit crew about the situation. Her quick thinking helped save the lives of 360 passengers and crew members.
Neerja Bhanot was killed by the terrorists while trying to shield three children from gunfire. Her selfless act of putting others before herself exemplified true heroism.
Neerja's bravery and sacrifice have inspired countless individuals, and she has become a symbol of courage and resilience in India. Her story is taught in schools and is often referenced in discussions about heroism and selflessness.
Her life and heroic actions were portrayed in the 2016 Bollywood film "Neerja," starring Sonam Kapoor. The film brought her story to a wider audience and highlighted her bravery and sacrifice.
In addition to the Ashoka Chakra, Neerja Bhanot was also honoured with several other awards, including the "Tamgha-e-Jurat" (Medal of Courage) by the Government of Pakistan and the "Flight Safety Award" by the Pan American Airlines.