Neerja Bhanot: If she wanted, she could have saved her life and run away… Who was the 'heroine of hijack', the beloved daughter of a journalist father?

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New Delhi: Neerja Bhanot was a successful model and air hostess. She showed bravery in the plane hijack that happened on 5 September 1986 and saved the lives of more than 300 people. Neerja, the beloved daughter of a journalist father, was beautiful and bubbly. An example of passion, courage and determination, this girl's name is recorded in golden letters in aviation history. She was also recognized as the 'Heroine of Hijack'. Neerja, who gave competition to the actresses of the 90s in studies, sports and looks, was at the top in every respect. Everything was going well in her life. Then came a date that wrote a new definition of courage. 5 September 1986, 'Pan Am' 73 flight took off from Mumbai. The flight was to go to New York, but Karachi city of Pakistan was its first stop. Meanwhile, four terrorists quickly entered the plane and suddenly started shouting 'hijack'. However, the terrorists, engaged in their nefarious intentions, were unaware of the fact that India's 'lioness' was also on board the plane.

The passengers were evacuated safely with great prudence

There were 379 people on board the plane, including four terrorists, 360 passengers and crew members. One of these crew members was Neerja Bhanot. She is the same brave woman of India who lost her life while saving the lives of all the passengers from the terrorists. If she wanted, she could have saved her life and escaped from there, but she did not do so and with her wisdom, she evacuated all the passengers safely from there.

Awarded with 'Ashok Chakra'

After Neerja Bhanot's sacrifice, the Government of India awarded her the highest civilian honour 'Ashok Chakra', while the Government of Pakistan also honoured Neerja with 'Tamgha-e-Insaniyat'. Neerja was indeed the greatest heroine of independent India. In 2004, a postage stamp was also issued in honour of Neerja Bhanot. Internationally, Neerja's name is famous as the 'Heroine of Hijack'. In 2005, America gave her the 'Justice for Crime Award'. In 2016, a film based on her story was also made, in which her character was played by Sonam Kapoor.


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