40 Facts About Neerja Bhanot

Early Life and Background

Neerja Bhanot's story is one of bravery and selflessness. Born in India, she became a symbol of courage. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about her early life and background.

1. Neerja Bhanot was born on September 7, 1963, in Chandigarh, India.
2. Her father, Harish Bhanot, was a journalist, while her mother, Rama Bhanot, was a homemaker.
3. Neerja was the youngest of three siblings, with two older brothers, Akhil and Aneesh.
4. She attended Sacred Heart Senior Secondary School in Chandigarh.
5. Later, she moved to Mumbai and completed her schooling at Bombay Scottish School.
6. Neerja pursued her college education at St. Xavier's College in Mumbai, where she studied Home Science.

Career Beginnings

Neerja's career took off in a different direction before she became a flight attendant. Here are some intriguing details about her early career.

7. Neerja started her career as a model, appearing in various advertisements and print campaigns.
8. She became the face of popular brands like Binaca toothpaste and Vaporex.
9. In 1985, she joined Pan Am as a flight attendant, a job that would change her life forever.
10. Neerja was only 22 years old when she began working for Pan Am.

The Hijacking Incident

Neerja's bravery shone brightest during the tragic hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73. Here are some key facts about that fateful day.

11. On September 5, 1986, Pan Am Flight 73 was hijacked by four armed terrorists in Karachi, Pakistan.
12. Neerja was the senior flight purser on board, responsible for the safety of passengers.
13. The hijackers were part of the Abu Nidal Organization, a Palestinian terrorist group.
14. Neerja alerted the cockpit crew, who managed to escape, preventing the plane from being flown to an unknown destination.
15. She hid the passports of American passengers to protect them from being targeted by the hijackers.
16. Neerja helped passengers escape through emergency exits when the hijackers opened fire.
17. She was shot while shielding three children from the terrorists' bullets.
18. Neerja succumbed to her injuries on September 5, 1986, just two days before her 23rd birthday.

Awards and Recognition

Neerja's heroism did not go unnoticed. She received numerous awards and recognition posthumously. Here are some notable ones.

19. Neerja was awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award, making her the youngest recipient.
20. She also received the Tamgha-e-Insaniyat, awarded by Pakistan for showing incredible human kindness.
21. The United States honored her with the Justice for Crimes Award.
22. Neerja was recognized by the International Federation of Airline Pilots Associations with the Special Courage Award.
23. In 2004, the Indian Postal Service released a stamp in her honor.

Legacy and Impact

Neerja's legacy continues to inspire many. Her story has been immortalized in various forms. Here are some facts about her lasting impact.

24. The Neerja Bhanot Pan Am Trust was established by her family to honor her memory.
25. The trust awards two annual awards: one for a flight crew member who acts beyond the call of duty and another for an Indian woman who faces social injustice.
26. In 2016, a Bollywood film titled "Neerja" was released, starring Sonam Kapoor as Neerja Bhanot.
27. The film received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.
28. Neerja's story is included in school textbooks in India to teach students about bravery and selflessness.
29. Her alma mater, Bombay Scottish School, has a memorial in her honor.
30. Neerja's bravery is commemorated annually on September 5th, known as Neerja Bhanot Day.

Personal Traits and Interests

Neerja was more than just a hero; she was a person with unique traits and interests. Here are some lesser-known facts about her personal life.

31. Neerja was known for her love of music and enjoyed listening to old Hindi songs.
32. She was an avid reader, with a particular fondness for detective novels.
33. Neerja had a pet dog named Star, whom she adored.
34. She was passionate about cooking and often experimented with new recipes.
35. Neerja was described by friends and family as compassionate, kind-hearted, and always willing to help others.

Family and Relationships

Neerja's family played a significant role in shaping her character. Here are some insights into her family and relationships.

36. Neerja was very close to her parents and often sought their advice and guidance.
37. Her brothers, Akhil and Aneesh, looked up to her as a role model.
38. Neerja was briefly married in 1985, but the marriage ended due to dowry-related issues.
39. Despite the challenges, she remained optimistic and focused on her career and helping others.
40. Neerja's family continues to keep her memory alive through various charitable activities and initiatives.

Honoring Neerja Bhanot's Legacy

Neerja Bhanot's story is a powerful reminder of bravery and selflessness. Her actions during the Pan Am Flight 73 hijacking saved countless lives, making her a true hero. Neerja's courage under pressure and her commitment to protecting others continue to inspire people worldwide. Her legacy lives on through the Neerja Bhanot Pan Am Trust, which supports women facing social injustice and children in need. This trust keeps her spirit alive, ensuring her sacrifice isn't forgotten. Neerja's life teaches us the importance of standing up for what's right, even in the face of danger. By remembering her story, we honor her memory and the values she stood for. Neerja Bhanot's legacy is a beacon of hope and courage, reminding us all to act with kindness and bravery in our own lives.