She saved 359 lives
She was only 23 years old
This was what got my attention
when the first trailer of “Neerja” the movie was aired. Yes, like many of us,
even I was unknown to this “hero” of our country as she was lost somewhere in
the pages of history. Intrigued to know, I googled all information about Neerja
Bhanot, who redefined humanity and dedication towards her work.
She was an ordinary 23 year old
girl, a purser on the Pan-Am flight and an aspiring model. She loved her job
and life. The apple of her parents eyes who fondly called her lado. But what
differentiated her was her mental strength. A broken marriage at tender age of
22 couldn’t dampen her spirits as she came back stronger and took control of
her life.
It was another day of her life,
when she boarded the Pan-Am flight to New York via Karachi on September 5 1986,
just two days before her 23rd birthday. She was to return on 7th
to celebrate it with her family for which plans were already made. But
something else was written in destiny.
The Pan-Am flight was hijacked in
Karachi and as the pilots left the aircraft as per protocol, Neerja as the head
of the crew, took charge. Even in such grave situation, she never lost her
presence of mind. Not thinking about her own safety, not only she hid passports
of American passengers, but also pulled open the emergency exit when the
hijackers started open firing.
Most would have slid down the
chute to save themselves, but Neerja was different, she stayed back and helped
other passengers get out from the aircraft. I wonder what was going on her in
her mind, that she did this. She was shot point blank while shielding others,
but she didn’t deter from her duty. She didn’t survive but 359 others did and
most of them owe their lives to her.
Now this, most of us know by now.
Reason to pen this down was different. Reason is that I haven’t been able to
take her out of my mind. Who was she? A normal human being? Ordinary? I don’t think
so. In this selfish world, when one doesn’t even stop to help someone cross the
road, she sacrificed her life to save strangers. Yes, it was her duty to look
after the safety of her passengers, but obviously not at the stake of her life.
It wasn’t only the sense of duty that drove her that night, it was something
else. But I don’t know what, and sadly will never know.
I salute Neerja Bhanot for being
what she was. She didn’t die, but became immortal in pages of time.
But, then sometimes dust covers
such pages and thus, I am thankful to makers for “Neerja” the movie and Sonam
Kapoor to bring forth this story of a not-so-ordinary girl, for she is
definitely an inspiration on how to be loyal to your work, how to conquer one’s
fears and how humanity is indeed above all.
Lado of her family, she was warm and kind,
with a beautiful face, really hard to find,
She followed her dreams,
not ripping at the seams.
Her smile so lovely, brightened everyone’s day,
always full of life, she kept sorrows at bay.
A brave girl who did not break down,
even in grave situation, she held her ground.
Dedicated to duty, she even sacrificed her life.
While her family waited for her return,
she left without saying goodbye…
Neerja Bhanot, in gold her name will shine,
she will remain immortal in passage of time.
Thank you Neerja!!!
