Winners of the Ashoka Chakra Bravery Award

Neerja Bhanot and Randhir Prasad Verma

The Ashoka Chakra is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery, daring acts, or pre-eminent self-sacrifice performed other than in the face of the enemy. The decoration may also be awarded posthumously.

The award was originally instituted in 1952 as Ashoka Chakra Class I, forming the first level of a three-class series of non-combat gallantry decorations. In 1967, this system was reorganized and the awards were renamed as Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Shaurya Chakra. These decorations recognize exceptional acts of courage performed by military personnel, civilians, airline crew members, and others who demonstrate extraordinary gallantry.

Among the distinguished recipients of this honour are Neerja Bhanot and Randhir Prasad Verma, whose bravery continues to inspire millions.

Neerja Bhanot – The Heroine of the Hijack

Neerja Bhanot was born on 7 September 1963 in Chandigarh, the daughter of Harish Bhanot. She completed her early education at Sacred Heart School in Chandigarh and later moved to Mumbai, where she studied at Bombay Scottish School and St. Xavier’s College.

She joined Pan American World Airways on 16 January 1986 as a flight attendant. Her dedication and leadership abilities soon led to her promotion as Senior Flight Purser.

On 5 September 1986, Neerja was serving on Pan Am Flight 73, travelling from Mumbai to New York via Karachi, when the aircraft was hijacked by four armed terrorists at Karachi Airport. Nearly 400 passengers and crew members were held hostage for over 17 hours.

Displaying remarkable courage, she identified herself as the crew member in charge and took responsibility for the safety of passengers. When she realized that the hijackers were targeting American passengers, she hid their passports, preventing them from being identified.

As the hijackers opened fire and detonated explosives, Neerja quickly opened the emergency exits, enabling many passengers to escape. While shielding three children from gunfire, she was fatally wounded. Her ultimate sacrifice saved numerous lives and demonstrated extraordinary bravery.

For her heroism, Neerja Bhanot was posthumously awarded the Ashoka Chakra in 1987, becoming the youngest recipient of this honour. She is also the only Indian to receive the Heroism Award from the Flight Safety Foundation.

Randhir Prasad Verma – A Brave Police Officer

Randhir Prasad Verma was born on 3 February 1952 in Saharsa district in the state of Bihar. His determination and enthusiasm were evident during his student years at St. John’s School in Ranchi and Patna College. He was also an enthusiastic sportsman and excelled in cricket.

He joined the Indian Police Service in 1974. During his early career, he successfully dismantled several criminal gangs, including the notorious Matka gambling network and the gang led by the criminal Kamdev Singh.

Later, he was posted in Dhanbad as Superintendent of Police. On 3 January 1991, he received information about a robbery attempt at the Hirapur branch of the Bank of India.

Without hesitation, he rushed to the bank with only his bodyguards and entered the building where the robbers were present. As he confronted them and ordered them to surrender, the criminals opened fire with automatic weapons. Despite being severely wounded, Verma drew his revolver and managed to shoot one of the robbers before being hit again by gunfire. The second attack proved fatal, and he sacrificed his life in the line of duty.

His courageous action prevented the criminals from escaping easily, and the robbers were later captured by the public.

Commemoration Through Postage Stamps

To honour the extraordinary bravery of these two heroes, India Post issued a se-tenant pair of two commemorative postage stamps featuring Neerja Bhanot and Randhir Prasad Verma as part of the Ashoka Chakra Awardees series.

Their stories remain shining examples of courage, dedication, and selfless service, inspiring generations to uphold the highest ideals of bravery and humanity.