In the way that America has not forgotten about the September 11, 2001 attacks, India has not forgotten about the historic Pan Am Flight 73.
It was a similar tragedy, but thanks to the bravery of one soul, it was averted on September 5, 1986.
The sacrifice was given national attention and the highest honors of the Indian government and earned a place in beloved history for one Neerja Bhanot, a flight attendant who gave up her life so that her passengers would live.
Neerja proves that heroism is not something that belongs to anyone specific group of people. As a flight attendant, she went above and beyond, to the length expected of a soldier, for the sake of others.
In truth, she was just an ordinary woman who made a daring set of decisions to defy lethally dangerous men.
She lost her life for the sake of others, an accomplishment that few are brave enough to make, and those survivors went on to achieve great things thanks to her efforts.
She proves that greatness is not trained; it’s something more profound than an order or a job. It’s a belief that takes strength to make real.
10 /10 Neerja's Early Life
Neerja was born in Chandigarh, India, and raised in Bombay, later changing its name to Mumbai. She was from a Punjabi Hindu family.
Her father was a journalist, and she had two brothers. She had a good track record as a student, even standing up back then.
She was meticulous and loyal, standing up for her friends calmly and directly, and was always one to speak her mind. She was determined and self-assured even from a young age.
9 /10 Her First Career
Neerja did not start as a flight attendant. Her move to that was very lateral, as she initially got a job as a model when she was 18. She was approached by a photographer while at college.
She took the job seriously. She was immediately recognizable in ads for various products from a popular retail store with branches all over India.
Before she was a hero, everyone already knew her face for selling all kinds of general store items.