Introduction
Who was Neerja Bhanot?
Neerja Bhanot was a brave air hostess from India. She worked for Pan Am Airlines. She became a national hero after saving many lives during a plane hijack in 1986. She showed great courage, even when her own life was in danger. People remember her as the bravest air hostess in India. Her story has inspired many young girls to become cabin crew.
Why she is remembered as the bravest air hostess in India
Neerja is remembered because she did not run away when danger came. Instead, she stayed calm and helped the passengers. She was only 22 years old but acted very wisely. She saved lives, especially of children. Even when she had a chance to escape, she chose to stay back and help others. That is why she is called the bravest air hostess.
Importance of her story in aviation and national history
Neerja’s story teaches us about bravery and duty. She changed the way people think about air hostesses. She showed that air hostesses are not just there to serve food, but also to protect and care for passengers. Her story is now taught in aviation schools and remembered every year in India.
Early Life and Career of Neerja Bhanot
Childhood and Education
Neerja was born in Chandigarh on 7 September 1963. She grew up in Mumbai. Her father was a journalist. She studied at Sacred Heart School and St. Xavier’s College. She was known for her friendly nature and strong sense of right and wrong.
Dream of Becoming an Air Hostess
Neerja always wanted to travel the world. She loved helping people. So, she decided to become an air hostess. She applied to Pan Am, one of the top airlines in the world back then.
Selection and Training with Pan Am Airlines
Neerja got selected for Pan Am and was sent to Miami, USA for training. She learned about safety, emergency rescue, and taking care of passengers. Her training was tough, but she passed with flying colors.
The Pan Am Flight 73 Hijack Incident
Date and Background of the Flight
On 5 September 1986, Pan Am Flight 73 was flying from Mumbai to New York. It had a stop in Karachi, Pakistan. Neerja was the senior flight purser on this flight. The plane had over 300 passengers.
How the Hijack Happened in Karachi
While the plane was on the ground in Karachi, four armed men entered. They were terrorists. They wanted to take control of the plane. They had guns and bombs. The hijack started early in the morning.
Neerja’s Role and Quick Thinking During the Crisis
As soon as the hijack started, Neerja alerted the cockpit crew. Because of her, the pilots escaped safely and locked the plane. She stayed calm and didn’t let the hijackers panic the passengers.
Acts of Courage and Sacrifice
How Neerja Protected Passengers and Children
Neerja hid American passports to protect the passengers. She kept giving water and food to people during the long hijack. When shooting started, she opened the emergency doors and helped people escape.
Last Moments and Her Heroic Actions
Neerja was helping children escape when she got shot. She used her body to shield three children. Because of her bravery, over 300 people were saved. She gave her life, but saved many.
Reactions from Passengers and Crew
Many passengers said they would not be alive without Neerja. The crew members also praised her. Some passengers still visit her home to thank her family.
Awards and Recognition After Her Death
Ashoka Chakra – India’s Highest Peacetime Gallantry Award
In 1987, the Indian government gave Neerja the Ashoka Chakra. It is the highest bravery award given in peacetime. She was the youngest person to receive it.
International Awards and Honors
Neerja also got awards from the U.S. and Pakistan. She was honored by Pan Am and by many other countries for her heroism.
How the World Remembered Her Bravery
Her photo was shown in many newspapers around the world. People from all over sent messages to her family. Streets, parks, and awards were named after her.
Legacy of Neerja Bhanot
Memorials, Scholarships, and Trusts in Her Name
A trust was started by her family to help brave women. Scholarships are given every year to young girls. Her story is also in school books.
The 2016 Bollywood Film “Neerja”
A movie named Neerja was made in 2016. Sonam Kapoor played Neerja. The film showed her story and became very popular. It helped more people learn about her bravery.
Inspiration to Future Air Hostesses and Youth
Many young girls say they want to be like Neerja. She is a role model for air hostesses. Her photo is still found in Frankfinn and other training institutes.
Lessons from Neerja’s Life
Importance of Courage and Duty in Crisis
Neerja showed that doing your duty is very important. Even in fear, she stayed brave. She put others first. Her courage is an example for all of us.
Why Neerja’s Story Still Matters Today
Even today, Neerja’s story teaches us to be strong and kind. She proved that one person can make a big difference. Her story will always matter.
Role Model for Aspiring Cabin Crew
Every cabin crew student learns about Neerja. She is an example of how air hostesses can be real heroes. Her life is a guide for how to stay calm and help others in any situation.
Salary Table for Cabin Crew in India
| Job Role | Starting Salary (Monthly) | Experienced Salary (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Cabin Crew | ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 | ₹60,000 – ₹80,000 |
| International Cabin Crew | ₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000 | ₹1,20,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
| Ground Staff | ₹18,000 – ₹28,000 | ₹35,000 – ₹50,000 |
| Customer Service Agent | ₹20,000 – ₹30,000 | ₹35,000 – ₹45,000 |
Who was Neerja Bhanot and why is she famous?
Neerja Bhanot was a young and brave Indian air hostess. She worked for Pan Am Airlines. Neerja is famous for her heroic actions during a hijack in 1986. At just 22 years old, she saved the lives of many passengers on a flight. She stayed calm and helped people even when the plane was taken over by terrorists. Her bravery and kindness made her a national hero.
Neerja did not run when the hijack started. Instead, she helped passengers hide, opened emergency doors, and guided people to safety. She also protected three small children with her own body. Sadly, she was shot during the rescue and died. But because of her, over 350 passengers were saved. That is why she is remembered as one of the bravest air hostesses in the world.
Which airline did Neerja work for?
Neerja Bhanot worked for Pan Am Airlines. Pan Am was a big American airline. It had flights all over the world. Neerja joined Pan Am as a flight attendant after finishing her training in the USA. She was very good at her job and quickly became the head purser, which is like the lead air hostess on the plane. Her last flight was Pan Am Flight 73, where she showed great courage during the hijack. Pan Am later honored her for her bravery and sacrifice.
What happened on Pan Am Flight 73?
On 5 September 1986, Pan Am Flight 73 was hijacked at Karachi airport in Pakistan. The plane had stopped there on its way from Mumbai to New York. Four terrorists entered the plane with guns and bombs. Their goal was to take control and hurt the passengers. Neerja was in charge of the cabin crew that day.
She quickly warned the pilots, who escaped and locked the cockpit. This action stopped the terrorists from flying the plane. The hijackers then held the passengers for many hours. Neerja and her team kept everyone calm and safe. She hid American passports so that passengers wouldn’t be targeted. In the end, the hijackers opened fire. Neerja opened emergency exits and helped people escape. She was killed while saving others.