India, Sept. 7 -- Neerja Bhanot was an Indian flight purser who worked with Pan American World Airways. Born in Chandigarh in 1963, she later studied at St. Xavier's College in Mumbai and joined Pan Am in January 1986. Her name became synonymous with courage after the hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 at Karachi Airport on September 5, 1986.

What Happened During Pan Am Flight 73 Hijacking?

Pan Am Flight 73 was flying from Bombay, now Mumbai, to New York via Karachi when four armed hijackers took control of the aircraft at Karachi airport.

According to the Government of India, Bhanot immediately alerted the flight crew after identifying the hijacking. The pilots were able to leave the aircraft, while Bhanot remained on board and took respon...