Neerja Bhanot
Awards & Honours
2
Awards Won
3
Honours
3
Records
Neerja Bhanot's accolades reflect a life of extraordinary courage rather than commercial success. She holds the unique distinction of being the youngest person and the first woman to receive the Ashoka Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award. Her name appears in the Pan Am Hall of Fame, a rare honor for a civilian crew member. The impact of her story extends beyond awards; it has inspired legislative changes in aviation security and serves as a cornerstone of moral education in India. Her legacy is measured not in trophies but in the lives saved and the inspiration provided to millions.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
Ashoka Chakra
First woman and youngest recipient of India's highest peacetime gallantry award
Tamgha-e-Insaniyat
Awarded for humanitarian service and bravery during the hijacking
Pan Am Hall of Fame
Inducted posthumously for exceptional service and heroism
Records & Feats
Youngest Ashoka Chakra Recipient
Became the youngest person ever to receive India's highest peacetime gallantry award at age 22
First Woman Ashoka Chakra Recipient
Was the first woman to be awarded the Ashoka Chakra in the history of the award
Lives Saved in Aviation Hijacking
Her actions during the Pan Am Flight 73 hijacking are credited with saving over 300 lives