Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Neerja, Spirit of Womanhood and the World

Neerja Bhanot, the braveheart airhostess in the 1986 ill-fated hijacked PAN AM flight, who was instrumental in saving lives of more than 300 passengers, while not caring for her life and ultimately dying in the line of duty is in limelight again after 30 years, thanks to the movie 'Neerja'.

A lady who was posthumously awarded bravery awards by 3 countries - India, Pakistan and US is being hailed as a symbol of courage.

There is no doubt that Neerja Bhanot personified bravery but she also personified unmeasurable compassion and kindness.

Her bravery award citations celebrated her incredible human kindness. She was the last to leave the plane but not lucky enough to get out alive. In the chaos that reined when terrorist went berserk and rained bullets indiscrimately on the passengers, she repeatedly checked the plane for anyone left out and finally finding herself between bullets and three kids whom she was trying to evacuate, she chose to come in the way. The bullets pierced her head and snuffed life out of her.

Why will someone do something like that? Which job pays enough for scarificing one's life? The truth is no job description or no compensation for a job in the world can ever explain or describe such behaviour.

What Neerja showed was not only bravery but incredible human kindness that put others, those who are complete strangers, before oneself to the extent of giving up one's life.

Neerja exemplified what womanhood stand for - a strong and brave heart that is filled with unmeasurable compassion and kindness.

As the world celebrates International Women's Day today, it needs much more than ever what Womanhood really stands for - Courage and Kindness...

Courage to stand by the truth and do what is right;

and,

compassion and kindness for fellow beings - treating someone as a human first and not label him by religion, region, colour or nationality.


Neerja is not a person or a movie - she is the spirit of womanhood that can make this world a much better place.

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