# Neerja Bhanot > Indian flight attendant of Pan Am Flight 73 (1963–1986) **Wikidata**: [Q1396211](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1396211) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neerja_Bhanot) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/neerja-bhanot ## Summary Neerja Bhanot was an Indian flight attendant and model who is recognized for her heroism during the hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in 1986. Born in 1963, she worked for Pan American World Airways and died on September 5, 1986, while saving the lives of passengers during the terrorist attack. She was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime military decoration, for her bravery. ## Biography - **Born:** September 7, 1963 - **Nationality:** Indian - **Education:** St. Xavier's College (affiliated to the University of Mumbai) - **Known for:** Heroism during the hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73; work as a flight attendant and model - **Employer(s):** Pan Am (Pan American World Airways) - **Field(s):** Aviation (Flight Attendant), Modeling ## Contributions Neerja Bhanot's most significant contribution was her courageous actions during the hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in 1986. Serving as a flight attendant for Pan Am, she played a critical role in saving the lives of passengers during the attack. Her bravery led to her posthumous receipt of the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime military decoration. Additionally, she contributed to the fashion and advertising industry as a model, employed to display, advertise, and promote products. ## FAQs **Who was Neerja Bhanot?** Neerja Bhanot was an Indian citizen and a member of the species Homo sapiens, known professionally as a flight attendant and model for Pan Am. **What is Neerja Bhanot famous for?** She is famous for her heroism during the hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in 1986, where her actions saved lives, and for being a recipient of the Ashoka Chakra. **Where did Neerja Bhanot go to school?** She attended St. Xavier's College, an institution affiliated to the University of Mumbai that was established on January 2, 1869. **What awards did Neerja Bhanot receive?** She was awarded the Ashoka Chakra, which is India's highest peacetime military decoration, instituted on January 4, 1952. **What airline did Neerja Bhanot work for?** She worked for Pan Am (Pan American World Airways Inc.), which was the primary international carrier of the United States from 1927 to 1991. ## Why They Matter Neerja Bhanot matters because her selfless actions during the 1986 hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 saved lives and highlighted the vital role of flight crew in ensuring passenger safety during crises. Her sacrifice brought international attention to the dangers faced by airline personnel and established a lasting legacy of courage. As a recipient of the Ashoka Chakra, she holds a place of honor in Indian history, symbolizing the highest ideals of bravery and service. Her story remains an integral part of the history of Pan Am and continues to inspire acts of heroism. ## Notable For - Heroic actions during the hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in 1986. - Recipient of the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime military decoration. - Employment as a flight attendant and model for Pan American World Airways. - Education at St. Xavier's College. - Feature on a 2004 stamp of India. - Being recognized as a key figure associated with the history of Pan Am. ## Body ### Early Life and Education Neerja Bhanot was born on September 7, 1963, in India, a sovereign state in South Asia that gained independence on August 15, 1947. As an Indian citizen, she was part of a country known for its diverse population of over 1.4 billion people and its status as the world's largest democracy. She pursued higher education at St. Xavier's College, an institution affiliated to the University of Mumbai. The college, which has an inception date of January 2, 1869, is located in India and serves as a major educational hub in the region. ### Professional Career Bhanot worked in two distinct fields during her life. She was employed as a model, a profession involving the display, advertisement, and promotion of products or serving as a visual aid. Simultaneously, she pursued a career in aviation as a flight attendant, a position within an aircrew responsible for the safety and comfort of passengers. Her employer was Pan Am (Pan American World Airways Inc.), a prominent airline that served as the United States' primary international carrier. Pan Am operated from March 14, 1927, to December 4, 1991, and was headquartered in New York City. The airline was known for its distinctive "Clipper" callsign and its slogan, "The World's Most Experienced Airline." ### Pan Am Flight 73 Hijacking The defining event of Neerja Bhanot's life occurred on September 5, 1986, during the hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73. Pan Am Flight 73 was a significant incident in the airline's history, which also included other major events such as the Tenerife airport disaster in 1977 and the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Scotland in 1988. During the 1986 hijacking, Bhanot acted as the flight attendant on board. Her heroic actions during the terrorist attack were credited with saving the lives of numerous passengers. She tragically died on September 5, 1986, as a result of the hijacking. ### Recognition and Awards For her bravery and sacrifice during the hijacking, Neerja Bhanot was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra. This award is India's highest peacetime military decoration, which was instituted on January 4, 1952. The recognition underscored her courage and the impact of her actions on the lives of those she saved. Her legacy is further cemented by her inclusion in the historical records of Pan Am, where she is noted as a key person associated with the airline's personnel history. ### Legacy Neerja Bhanot's legacy extends beyond her immediate act of heroism. She is featured on a 2004 stamp of India, commemorating her contribution to the nation. Her story is often cited in discussions regarding the safety and security protocols in the aviation industry. As a human member of the species Homo sapiens whose life was cut short at the age of 23, her memory is preserved through the Ashoka Chakra award and the continued recognition of her bravery by both the Indian government and the international aviation community. Her life and work remain a testament to the potential for individual courage to effect profound change in dire circumstances. ## References 1. [Source](http://gallantryawards.gov.in/Awardee/neerja-mishra) 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 3. Quora 4. [Source](https://facebook.com/groups/709410852896325?view=permalink&id=729908917513185)