Women power is often underestimated stating her inability to meet some tasks in daily life. Well, for those who have been doing so here is something which you need to know initially to shut your holes up. Many women’s across the world are well known for exhibiting bravery during all-important instances and tough times. Indian women’s are no exemption to this who have been known always ahead to peril instances.

Must Know Facts about Audacious Neeraja Bhanot, Former Model and Flight Attendant

The former flight attendant for Pan Am, based in Mumbai, Neeraja Bhanot sacrificed her life to save the lives of 360 people on September 5, 1986. She was the true brave heart of India who faced and dealt with danger despite knowing that her life was in danger bearing witness to with unflinching courage and bottle. This heroic feat of Neeraja Bhanot has left its fearless mark in the history of the humankind, saving passengers from terrorists in one deadliest and one worst hijacks ever known in aviation history.

For Those Who Aren’t Aware of her, Who Exactly is Neerja Bhanot?

Neeraja Bhanot was one of the most successful model of her time while later she turned out as a flight attendant (air hostess) for Pan Am Airlines which was based in Mumbai. Neeraja Bhanot was murdered while saving lives of onboard passengers of Pan Am Flight 73 from terrorists hijacked the plane on 5 September 1986.

She was merely an 23 years old girl like any other Indian girl of her age while with her hardy effort of saving hundreds of people’s lives she emerged as Heroine of the Hijack bearing witness that there is timeless existence for some people.

Hijack of Pan Am Flight 73 on September 5, 1986:

The Pan Am Flight 73 aircraft was hijacked by Pakistani terror group Abu Nidal Organisation ‘s four heavily armed militants on 5^th September 2015 which was boarded with 360 passengers and crew members including senior flight purser, Neeraja Bhanot. Abu Nidal Organisation ‘s four heavily armed militants were suspected to have boarded the plane at Jinnah International Airport when the plan halted at 5 am which was en route to Frankfurt and onward to New York City. Ascertained with hijack of Pan Am Flight Neeraja Bhanot cautioned three-member American cockpit crew of pilot, co-pilot and the flight engineer to break away.

Neeraja Bhanot Took Charge of Hijacked Aircraft Pan Am Flight 73

Being senior-most cabin crew member on board she took charge of the aircraft. Questioning her indulgence in hiding the 41 Americans passports and their identity on board militants opened fire and set off explosives. Ignoring the brutal act of militants he alerted passengers on board to jump out of the plane by opening emergency exits. She was faced off the bullets while shielding three children disregarding her chances of jumping out of the plane at the earliest. She is globally recognized as “the heroine of the hijack” for selfless sacrifice and audaciousness. She was survived by two brothers, Akhil, Aneesh and parents.

Esteemed with Highly Acclaimed Awards and Honors

She was awarded many extremely heralded awards globally which makes her the recipient of the Ashok Chakra Award which is India’s most prestigious gallantry award for bravery during peace time. Some of the remarkable achievements of her (posthumously) are:-

• Awarded with Ashok Chakra Award by the Government of India.
• Postal Stamp released by Indian Postal Service on October 8, 2004, commemorating her sacrifice and services to the nation.
• Indian Civil Aviation Ministry’s Award
• Justice for Crimes Award, United States Attorney’s office for the District of Columbia
• Flight Safety Foundation Heroism Award, U.S.A.
• Special Courage award, US Govt.
• Tamgha-e-Insaaniyat (Awarded for showing incredible human kindness), Pakistan

Neeraja Bhanot was one of such souls who would be remembered everlastingly by the humankind. Leave a reply behind as a message addressing her selfless sacrifice for the nation in the comment section. Stay tuned with us for interesting feeds by bookmarking us (press Ctrl+D) in your web browser for easy navigation.