Neerja Bhanot - Woman of inspiration.

Neerja Bhanot is definitely an inspiration for the present generation. 

Neerja will always be remembered as an incredible woman. Neerja was the senior flight purser of PAN-Am73. Palestinian terrorists from the Abdul Nidal group had entered the aircraft. They were posing as Pakistani personnel, carrying hand grenades and arms. They had plotted to kill the Americans. There were 200 Indian passengers in the aircraft. The hijack left 20 people dead. 150 people were injured. The plane was destined for New York's John Kenedy airport.

Would we keep calm in such a situation? Would we keep cool in such a dangerous situation? Is that easy to sacrifice our life for sake of others?

Neerja Bhanot has showed what true bravery looks like. She was clever and courageous. She did not panic. She alerted the crew about the terrorists presence. She saved over 40 Americans lives by hiding their passports. After the terrorists opened fire, she remained on-board. She was killed when she was accompanying three American unaccompanied children. Neerja was only 22 years old, when she was killed. She was killed one day before her birthday. She was shot on her head. Out of around 390 passengers 350 were alive  because of Neerja Bhanot.

Neerja was born in Chandigarh. Neerja's father Harish Bhanot was a journalist. Her mother is Rama. Neerja was a very sensitive and decent person. She was married at 21. But got divorced in two months. Her husband was demanding dowry. After divorce, she started working as a model. Neerja was the youngest woman to receive Ashoka chakra award. The ashoka chakra award is India's highest award for bravery. She was awarded Justice of crime award.

Her parents set up an Neerja Bhanot Pan Am trust. The trust presents awards to two women each year. One of the three children, whom she saved is a pilot now. He considers Neerja as a role model. What else can be more heroic than this? Her last words were recorded.

A film on Neerja Bhanot was released on Feb 19th 2016. Sonam Kapoor played Neerja's role.

Neerja could have run away because she was trained. She knew what was happening. But she didn't escape like all the other pilots. She was a true leader and an angel.

What an incredible woman, isn't it?