Pathanamthitta: The story of Neerja Bhanot, the cabin crew member who was shot dead while rescuing passengers during a hijack by a pro-Palestinian terrorist group at Karachi airport, is now part of the Class 9 English textbook. Following this, a video story on Neerja, published by Mathrubhumi Online two years ago, is gaining traction among teachers.

The video titled "A Hijacking Foiled by Neerja’s Courage: The Value of a Life" created by mathrubhumi.com is now being widely shared. The lesson, titled "A Shield of Courage," appears in the fourth unit of the English textbook.

On September 5, 1986, Pan Am Flight 73, carrying 394 passengers, was hijacked by a terrorist group in Karachi en route from Mumbai to New York. The hijackers, holding the pilots and passengers at gunpoint, demanded the plane be flown to Cyprus. Neerja, showing remarkable bravery, helped the four pilots escape.

While aiding passengers through the emergency exit, Neerja was shot dead by the terrorists. Commandos later stormed the plane and neutralised the hijackers. Twenty passengers lost their lives in the attack. Neerja’s ultimate sacrifice came just two days before her 23rd birthday. She was posthumously honoured with the Ashoka Chakra.

The 2016 film ‘Neerja,’ starring Sonam Kapoor in the titular role, was a massive success and brought Neerja's story to public attention.