‘Neerja Bhanot award represents grit’

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, September 7

Sifiya Haneef, a braveheart from Kerala, was conferred the prestigious Neerja Bhanot award by Wendy Sue Knecht today. The award consists of Rs 150 lakh, a citation and a trophy.

Wendy worked with Pan Am in the 80’s and was a trainer of Neerja in 1986. The Neerja Bhanot Award was instituted in 1990 in memory of Neerja, who saved hundreds of lives while sacrificing her own during a Pan Am plane hijack at Karachi Airport.

Akhil Bhanot, Managing Trustee, Neerja Bhanot Pan Am Trust, said, “Sifiya got married when she was 16. Unfortunately, her husband died when she was 20. She had two children by then. She took up a part-time job and resumed her studies. After realising that life was very tough, she started spending her salary on helping widows. Today, she is helping more than 300 families.”

Wendy Sue Knecht, said, “Though a lifetime has passed, Neerja’s generosity, humanity and her sacrifice will never be forgotten. This is what all of us must do.”

Sifiya said, “I am proud to receive this award as it represents the spirit of Neerja’s determination and grit. A person must always face adversities.”