By the title some of you already guess it about whom I am talking. Yes, I am talking about NEERJA BHANOT. Until 1987 the Ashok Chakra acquired by the Captains & Soldiers of Indian Army, Air Force, Police, Civilians, etc. but in the year of 1986. The girl who set a milestone and become idol for each and every citizen. Neerja was the youngest and first female recipient of Ashok Chakra.

Neerja Bhanot (07th September 1963 - 05th September 1986)
Neerja was born on 7th September, 1963 in Chandigarh. The daughter of Harish Bhanot who was Bombay based journalist in The Hindustan Times. Neerja began her career as a Model. In 1985, Neerja applied for a Flight Attendant upon selection she went to Florida, Miami & returned as a Senior Flight Purser in Pan Am 73.

On 5th September 1986, Neerja Saved a large number of passengers on Board Pan AM flight 73. Which had been hijacked by 4 terrorists from Abu Nidal Organization. The Pan AM was Taking off from Bombay to New York. There was 260 passengers and 19 crew members. The terrorists enter into plane through airport security guard uniform by van.

They stopped over Jinnah international airport. At Karachi. Around 17 Hours into standoff after Neerja opened emergency exit door and began guiding passengers to escape from plane. The terrorist saw Neerja guiding passenger's terrorists started firing constantly fearing commando attack. There was 3 children Neerja helped unaccompanied children.

During rescuing and bringing out the one of them terrorist holds the gun towards children but Neerja becomes their Protection Shield & shot her point back. The child on a board, the aged 7 years old, becomes a captain for Major airlines and has stated that Neerja has been his inspiration & he owes every day of his life to her. By saving 360 life She lost her own life.

Neerja posthumously received multiple awards. i.e Ashok Chakra (1987), Tamgha – e – Pakistan (1987) (for showing incredible human kindness), Special Courage Award (2006), etc. About Neerja's life and humanitarian actions are represented in the Indian Hindi – Language Biographical Movie Neerja in 2016 which directed by Director & Producer Ram Madhvani and the Neerja's Role played the Actress Sonam Kapoor.

Neerja given one message for each and every citizen. That:
"No matter how Dangerous/ hilarious situation is, if you bravely face it, you will surely win."

Written By: Jui Vijay