A Shield of Courage
The chapter recounts the courage of Neerja Bhanot, the flight attendant who sacrificed her life while protecting passengers during the hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73. Her professionalism, presence of mind and selfless action earned her the Ashoka Chakra posthumously.
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- Honour: Neerja Bhanot received the Ashoka Chakra posthumously in 1987.
- Early Life: She was born in Chandigarh and grew up in a supportive family.
- Career: She worked as a model before joining Pan Am as a flight attendant.
- Hijacking: Pan Am Flight 73 was hijacked at Karachi International Airport in September 1986.
- Courage: Neerja used courage and presence of mind to protect passengers during the crisis and sacrificed her life.
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The Ashoka Chakra tribute
The chapter opens with the Republic Day ceremony of 1987, when Neerja Bhanot was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award. Her mother Rama Bhanot received the award.
Neerja's early life and career
Neerja was born in Chandigarh on 7 September 1963 and grew up in a loving family. She began her career as a model and later joined Pan Am as a flight attendant. Her dedication, confidence, elegance and professionalism helped her establish a strong reputation.
The hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73
On 5 September 1986, Pan Am Flight 73 was hijacked at Karachi International Airport. The aircraft was travelling from Mumbai to New York with scheduled stops. Neerja was on duty when the hijackers took control of the plane.
Courage and sacrifice
During the prolonged hostage crisis, Neerja demonstrated exceptional courage and concern for the passengers. Her actions helped protect and save people, and she ultimately sacrificed her own life. The award and the chapter's title honour her courage and selflessness.