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The Bravery of Neerja Bhanot, the Heroine of Pan Am Flight 73

The Bravery of Neerja Bhanot, the Heroine of Pan Am Flight 73

Released Monday, 20th March 2023
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The Bravery of Neerja Bhanot, the Heroine of Pan Am Flight 73

The Bravery of Neerja Bhanot, the Heroine of Pan Am Flight 73

The Bravery of Neerja Bhanot, the Heroine of Pan Am Flight 73

The Bravery of Neerja Bhanot, the Heroine of Pan Am Flight 73

Monday, 20th March 2023
Good episode? Give it some love!
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By 1986, Neerja Bhanot's life was looking up - literally.  At just twenty-two, her beauty and poise had earned her a modeling contract with some of India's most recognizable brands and her second job as a lead flight attendant for Pan Am Airlines would have her seeing the world.  Good looks was not Neerja's only quality, however, nor would it be her greatest.  A survivor of an abusive marriage, she'd faced danger before and escaped, but not once did she foresee the danger that would befall her - and 300 plus passengers - on the morning of September 5, 1986.  While at a stop in Karachi, Pakistan,  Neerja and her colleagues would look out the window to see four airport security personnel boarding their plane - with guns.  What would ensue was a standoff during which Neerja's leadership and quick-thinking would save lives and make her the youngest - and only female - recipient of the Asoka Chakra, India's highest recognition for an act of bravery.


Sources:

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Bahuguna, Ankush.  “The Story of Neerja Bhanot – The Girl Who Punched Terrorism in the Face and Became a Hero India Would Never Forget.”  MensXP, Mensa Brand Technologies Pvt. Ltd, 21 January 2016, https://www.mensxp.com/special-features/today/29128-the-story-of-neerja-bhanot-the-girl-who-punched-terrorism-in-the-face-and-became-a-hero-india-would-never-forget.html 

 

Bhowmick, Barsha Nag.  ”National Girl Child Day:  Why Many Indians Still Prefer Sons Over Daughters.”  The Times of India, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd., 24 January 2022, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/life-n-style/national-girl-child-day-why-many-indians-still-prefer-sons-over-daughters/ 

 

Cho, Nam and Jade Lawson.  “After increase in assaults, flight attendants are saying enough is enough.”  ABC News, ABC News Internet Ventures, 10 December 2021.

 

Devadas, David.  “Dowry-related Deaths Break Religious, Caste and Geographic Barriers.”  India Today, Living Media India Limited, 30 June 1988, https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/special-report/story/19880630-dowry-related-deaths-break-religious-caste-geographical-barriers-797424-1988-06-29 

 

Green, Patricia.  “Neerja Bhanot: The World’s Bravest Flight Attendant.”  Simply Flying, 19 October 2022, https://simpleflying.com/neerja-bhanot-story/ 

 

Kapoor, Vandita.  “The Incredible Story of Neerja Bhanot – Indian Flight Attendant Who Saved 360 Lives.”  The Better India, 19 December 2015, https://www.thebetterindia.com/40218/neerja-bhanot-flight-attendant-hijack-bravery/ 

 

Mahapatra, Dhananjay.  “No Arrests Under Anti-Dowry Law Without Magistrate’s Nod.”  The Times of India, Bennet, Coleman, and Co. Ltd, 3 July, 2014, https://timesof

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