President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday praised city girl Neerja Bhanot for her bravery, saying the country was proud of her.
Speaking at MCM DAV College for Women here at its golden jubilee celebrations, Kovind said, “There is a long list of women achievers from Chandigarh. But if I have to take one name I will mention Neerja Bhanot”.
The President Kovind said India was proud of Neerja Bhanot, who lost her life trying to save 369 passengers on the plane, which was hijacked by a terrorist in 1986.
Not just Chandigarh, but the entire nation is proud of her, who laid down her life for the safety of others.”, he added.
She gave up her life, two days before she would have turned 23, to save travellers during a terrorist-hijack of a Pan-Am flight at Karachi International Airport in Pakistan on September 5, 1986.
The hijack had left 20 people dead and 150 injured after a bloodbath at Karachi airport.
Praising the planning of Chandigarh, he said, “Chandigarh is the first planned city of India. It is an example of ‘Harit Bharat’, ‘Swachh Bharat’ and ‘Swasth Bharat’. The citizens have contributed a lot to its present form.”
(With input from agencies)