On a day when India is celebrating Teachers' Day, it is important to remember the sacrifice made by Neerja Bhanot, a flight purser, who was killed on September 5, 1986, during the hijack of Pan Am Flight 73. The extraordinary story of Ms Bhanot continues to inspire generations. Born on September 7, 1963, in Chandigarh, her life was tragically cut short at the age of 22 when hijackers seized the plane, which had landed in Karachi from Mumbai. Twenty people were killed in the incident.
Ms Bhanot joined Pan American World Airways (Pan Am) and soon stood out as a model employee. Her dedication to her job and her ability to remain calm under pressure were evident to all who worked with her.
In 1986, she saved the lives of more than 350 passengers when four terrorists - Wadoud Muhammad Hafiz al-Turki, Jamal Saeed Abdul Rahim, Muhammad Abdullah Khalil Hussain arRahayyal, and Muhammad Ahmed al-Munawar - took the plane under their control after it made a stopover at Karachi airport. The flight was en route from Mumbai to New York when it was seized.
In the face of imminent danger, Ms Bhanot displayed unparalleled bravery and presence of mind to keep herself and her team calm.
During the hijacking, she covertly alerted the cockpit crew to abandon the aircraft, helping them escape through an emergency exit. Ms Bhanot's courage was not confined to professional duties, she also showed immense compassion by shielding three children from gunfire, ultimately sacrificing her life to protect them.
She was shot dead two days before her 23rd birthday.
Ms Bhanot posthumously received several awards, including the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest civilian award for bravery. Her story inspired a generation and led to changes in aviation security procedures worldwide. Her family established the Neerja Bhanot Pan Am Trust to honour her memory and support acts of courage.
Featured Video Of The Day
20th Century Airline Pan Am To Return To Skies For An Exclusive Flight Priced At Rs 54 Lakh Sonam Kapoor Remembers Neerja Bhanot On Her Birth Anniversary With An Emotional Post Sonam Kapoor Paid Homage To Neerja Bhanot: "Her Bravery Continues To Inspire Me" What Trump Rally Shooter Did On Last Day Of His Life Under-Fire Trainee IAS Officer Accuses Pune Collector Of Harassment "No Defamatory Remarks Against Governor": High Court To Mamata Banerjee Four In Five Americans Fear Country Is Sliding Into Chaos: Polls Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 Launched In India; Prices Start At Rs. 2.39 Lakh Admission Deadline Extended For EWS And Special Needs Children Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.