Lesson Plan: A Story of Self Sacrifice and Bravery
Subject: English Literature
Class: 7th Grade# Lesson Plan: A Story of Self Sacrifice and Bravery
**Subject:** English Literature
**Class:** 6th Grade
**Duration:** 45 minutes
**Topic:** Prose - "A Story of Self Sacrifice and Bravery" - The Life of Neerja Bhanot (Unit 2, Term III)
---
## 1. Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, the teacher aims to help students:
- Understand the concepts of courage, self-sacrifice, and heroism through a real-life example
- Analyze the life and heroic actions of Neerja Bhanot during the 1986 hijacking
- Recognize the importance of duty, responsibility, and putting others before oneself
- Develop reading comprehension through biographical and historical narrative
- Learn about terrorism, emergency response, and crisis management
- Build vocabulary related to aviation, bravery, and awards
- Appreciate how ordinary people can perform extraordinary acts of courage
- Understand the impact one person's bravery can have on many lives
## 2. Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- **Show courage** in difficult situations by standing up for what is right
- **Put others' needs first** when helping family members, classmates, or those in trouble
- **Stand against injustice** and refuse to compromise on values and principles
- **Think quickly** and act decisively during emergencies or unexpected situations
- **Complete their duties** responsibly, whether at school, home, or in future careers
- **Overcome personal challenges** with strength and determination
- **Speak the truth** even when it's difficult or unpopular
- **Inspire others** through their actions and choices in daily life
## 3. Introduction (5 minutes)
**Engaging Questions:**
1. "What does the word 'hero' mean to you? Can you name someone you consider a hero?"
2. "If you were in danger, would you try to save yourself first or help others escape? Why?"
3. "Have you heard of the Ashok Chakra award? What do you think it's given for?"
4. "What would you do if you saw someone being treated unfairly or threatened?"
5. "Do you think ordinary people doing their jobs can become heroes? How?"
## 4. Reading and Understanding (8 minutes)
**New Vocabulary with Meanings:**
| Word | Meaning | Example Usage |
|------|---------|---------------|
| **Hijacking** | Illegally seizing control of an aircraft using force | The plane was hijacked by terrorists |
| **Purser** | Senior flight attendant responsible for cabin crew and passengers | Neerja was the senior flight purser |
| **Terrorists** | People who use violence to achieve political aims | Four heavily armed terrorists seized the plane |
| **Protocol** | Official procedure or system of rules | Following protocol, the pilots escaped |
| **Succumbed** | Failed to resist; died from injuries | She succumbed to her wounds |
| **Dowry** | Money or property given by bride's family in marriage | She faced pressurizing dowry demands |
| **Posthumously** | After death; awarded after someone has died | She received awards posthumously |
| **Ashok Chakra** | India's highest peacetime gallantry award | She was awarded the Ashok Chakra |
| **Civilian** | Person not in armed forces or police | She was the youngest civilian recipient |
| **Legacy** | Something left behind that continues to influence | Her legacy inspires courage today |
## 5. Mind Map
```
A STORY OF SELF SACRIFICE AND BRAVERY
NEERJA BHANOT
|
┌──────────────────┼──────────────────┐
│ │ │
HER LIFE THE HIJACKING HER LEGACY
│ │ │
┌───┴───┐ ┌────┴────┐ ┌────┴────┐
│ │ │ │ │ │
EARLY CAREER THE HEROIC AWARDS INSPIRATION
LIFE │ EVENT ACTIONS │ │
│ │ │ │ │ │
Born Personal Sept 5, Saved Ashok Trust
Sept 7, struggles 1986 American Chakra established
1963 │ │ passengers India's │
│ │ │ │ highest Annual
Chandigarh Marriage Pan Am Hid honor awards
│ disaster Flight passports │ │
Sacred │ 73 │ Youngest Square
Heart Dowry │ Discarded civilian named
School demands Karachi down │ after her
│ │ Airport chute Pakistan's │
St. Left │ │ Tamgha-e- Children
Xavier's husband │ Alerted Insaniyat saved
College after 360 pilots │ became
Mumbai 2 months passengers │ USA's successful
│ │ │ Warning Justice │
│ Returned 4 armed code Award Continues
│ to Mumbai terrorists │ │ to inspire
│ │ │ Pilots Posthumous millions
│ Modelling │ escaped │ │
│ career 17-hour │ │ "Guts and
│ │ ordeal Helped │ inner
Applied Pan Am │ evacuate │ strength"
10,000 job │ passengers │ │
applicants│ Power │ │ Values &
│ │ ran out Stayed │ principles
Only 80 Trained │ behind │ │
chosen Miami & Terrorists Could │ Speaking
│ London opened have │ truth
Became │ fire escaped │ always
purser Senior │ │ │
cabin │ Rescued │
manager │ 3 children │
│ │ │ │
Security Chaos Shot by │
& passenger began terrorist │
complaints │ │ │
│ Fatal │
│ wounds │
│ │ │
│ Age 23 │
│ Sacrificed │
│ life for │
│ others │
```
## 6. Consolidation and Presentation (8 minutes)
**Summary of the Lesson:**
"A Story of Self Sacrifice and Bravery" chronicles the extraordinary life and ultimate sacrifice of Neerja Bhanot, a young Indian flight attendant who became a symbol of courage and selflessness. Her story demonstrates how ordinary individuals performing their duties can rise to become heroes when circumstances demand extraordinary action.
**Section I - The Hijacking Crisis:**
On the morning of September 5, 1986, Pan Am Flight 73 was preparing to depart from Karachi's Jinnah International Airport when four heavily armed terrorists stormed the aircraft carrying 360 passengers. The terrorists' specific intent was to target American passengers. Twenty-two-year-old Neerja Bhanot, serving as the senior flight purser (the highest-ranking cabin crew member), immediately demonstrated quick thinking and courage.
Her first act of heroism was collecting and hiding American passports to protect those passengers. She cleverly discarded these documents down a rubbish chute, making it impossible for terrorists to identify their intended targets. This decisive action saved at least 39 out of 41 Americans on board.
Following protocol, Neerja used a warning code to alert the cockpit crew. Understanding the danger, the pilots, co-pilots, and flight engineers escaped through an alternate exit—a standard procedure to prevent terrorists from forcing the aircraft to fly to another location. This left Neerja as the highest-ranking crew member, responsible for 360 terrified passengers.
The ordeal lasted seventeen agonizing hours. As the aircraft's auxiliary power unit ran out, plunging the cabin into darkness, the terrorists panicked and began firing indiscriminately. In this moment of chaos and terror, Neerja took charge of evacuating passengers. Though she knew the escape routes and could have saved herself first, she chose to stay behind, helping others escape.
In her final moments, Neerja was rescuing three children when she was hit by bullets fired by a terrorist. She succumbed to her wounds, sacrificing her life to save others. Her selfless actions saved hundreds of lives.
**Section II - Neerja's Life and Personal Strength:**
Born on September 7, 1963, in Chandigarh to Rama and Harish Bhanot, Neerja had a comfortable upbringing. She attended Sacred Heart School in Chandigarh and graduated from St. Xavier's College in Mumbai. However, her life wasn't without struggles.
In March 1985, at age 22, she married and moved to Sharjah, UAE. The marriage proved to be a "disaster" due to pressurizing dowry demands from her husband's family. Showing the same courage she would later display during the hijacking, Neerja refused to compromise her dignity. After just two months, she left her husband and returned to Mumbai—a bold decision for a young Indian woman in 1985.
Determined to build an independent life, she began a modeling career and then applied to Pan Am Airlines. Out of 10,000 applicants, only 80 were selected, and Neerja was among them. She underwent rigorous training in Miami and London, eventually earning the position of purser—the most senior cabin crew position responsible for handling security, passenger complaints, and overall cabin management.
**Section III - Recognition and Enduring Legacy:**
Neerja's sacrifice received international recognition:
- **India:** She was posthumously awarded the **Ashok Chakra**, India's highest peacetime gallantry award, becoming its youngest civilian recipient at age 23.
- **Pakistan:** Despite the hijacking occurring in Pakistan, the nation honored her with the **Tamgha-e-Insaniyat** (Medal of Humanity).
- **United States:** She received the **Justice for Crimes Award** posthumously.
Her parents, rather than being consumed by grief, channeled their loss into positive action. They established the **Neerja Bhanot Pan Am Trust**, which presents two annual awards: one for flight crew members who act beyond their call of duty, and another for Indian women who overcome social injustice—reflecting both aspects of Neerja's own life.
A public square in Mumbai's Ghatkopar suburb was named in her honor. Remarkably, one of the children she saved that day grew up to become an airline captain, carrying forward her legacy of service in aviation.
**Testimonials:**
Those who knew Neerja described her consistent character:
- Her father, Harish Bhanot, remembered her as "a sensitive, decent person with well-defined principles" who refused to compromise on her values.
- Dr. Kishore Murthy, a passenger she saved, noted that she could have escaped like the pilots but chose to stay, demonstrating "guts and inner strength."
- Her classmate Eliza Lewis recalled that Neerja "was always brave and would always speak her mind and tell the truth."
Neerja Bhanot's story teaches us that true heroism lies not in seeking glory but in doing what's right when it matters most, even at great personal cost.
## 7. Reinforcement (5 minutes)
**Additional Information:**
- **Historical Context:** The 1980s saw increased airplane hijackings; Neerja's actions influenced new aviation security protocols still used today
- **The Ashok Chakra:** Named after Emperor Ashoka's Dharma Chakra, it's equivalent to the Param Vir Chakra (India's highest military award) but for civilians
- **Aviation Protocol:** The pilots' escape was standard procedure—preventing terrorists from using the aircraft as a weapon
- **Dowry System:** Neerja's personal struggle against dowry demands shows her lifelong courage to stand against injustice
- **Pan Am Airlines:** Once one of the world's largest airlines (ceased operations in 1991); Neerja represented its highest standards
- **Age Factor:** At 23, she was extraordinarily young to hold such senior responsibility and to demonstrate such mature judgment
- **Global Impact:** Her story has been featured in books, films (including the 2016 Bollywood movie "Neerja"), and educational curricula worldwide
- **Modern Relevance:** Her quick thinking, crisis management, and selflessness remain relevant lessons for security personnel and leaders today
## 8. Evaluation
### a) Lower Order Thinking Question (Knowledge/Comprehension)
**Question:** "What were the three main heroic actions Neerja took during the hijacking, and what awards did she receive for her bravery?"
**Expected Answer:** Neerja's three main heroic actions were: 1) She saved American passengers by hiding their passports and discarding them down a rubbish chute, 2) She alerted the pilots using a warning code so they could escape and prevent the plane from being flown elsewhere, and 3) She stayed behind during evacuation to help passengers escape and was rescuing three children when she was fatally shot. She received the Ashok Chakra (India's highest peacetime bravery award), the Tamgha-e-Insaniyat from Pakistan, and the Justice for Crimes Award from the United States—all posthumously.
### b) Middle Order Thinking Question (Application/Analysis)
**Question:** "Analyze Neerja's decision to stay and help passengers instead of escaping herself. What does this reveal about her character? How does her earlier decision to leave her marriage connect to her actions during the hijacking?"
**Expected Answer:** Neerja's decision to stay reveals several key character traits: selflessness (putting others before herself), strong sense of duty (taking her purser responsibilities seriously), courage under pressure (not panicking despite danger), and clear values (believing some things are more important than personal safety).
Her earlier decision to leave her marriage after two months connects directly to her hijacking actions. In both situations, she: refused to compromise her principles despite pressure, chose the difficult right path over the easy wrong one, showed independence and strength, and acted according to her values rather than fear. Her father said she had "well-defined principles" and her classmate said she "would always speak her mind and tell the truth." These weren't traits she developed suddenly during the hijacking—they were demonstrated throughout her short life. Both decisions required enormous courage for a young Indian woman in the 1980s.
### c) Higher Order Thinking Question (Synthesis/Evaluation)
**Question:** "Evaluate the statement: 'Ordinary people doing their jobs can become heroes.' How does Neerja's story support this? What qualities can we develop in our daily lives that would help us act courageously when needed? Create a personal action plan inspired by Neerja's example."
**Expected Answer:** The statement is powerfully supported by Neerja's story. She was an "ordinary" young woman—a flight attendant doing her job. She wasn't a soldier, police officer, or trained for combat. Yet when circumstances demanded, she performed extraordinary acts. This proves that heroism isn't about having superpowers or special training—it's about character, values, and choices we make in critical moments.
Qualities we can develop daily that prepared Neerja for her heroic moment:
1. **Strong principles:** Know what you believe in and stand for
2. **Sense of duty:** Take responsibilities seriously, whether big or small
3. **Quick thinking:** Practice solving problems calmly
4. **Empathy:** Care about others' wellbeing
5. **Courage in small things:** Stand up for what's right even in daily situations
6. **Truthfulness:** Always speak truth, like Eliza noted about Neerja
7. **Selflessness:** Help others without expecting recognition
**Personal Action Plan:**
1. **At School:** Stand up for classmates being bullied; don't stay silent when seeing injustice
2. **At Home:** Take family responsibilities seriously; help siblings or elderly family members without being asked
3. **In Community:** Help those in need—elderly crossing streets, lost children finding parents
4. **Value Building:** Practice saying "no" to wrong things even when friends pressure me
5. **Emergency Preparedness:** Learn basic first aid and emergency procedures
6. **Daily Duty:** Complete school duties, assignments, and chores with commitment—practicing responsibility now
7. **Speaking Truth:** Even when difficult, tell the truth and admit mistakes
8. **Selfless Acts:** Do one thing daily for someone else without expecting anything in return
These small daily actions build the character that enables heroic actions when needed. Neerja didn't suddenly become brave on September 5, 1986—she had been brave all her life in smaller ways, which prepared her for that ultimate test.
## 9. Remedial Teaching
**Strategy for Slow Learners:**
1. **Timeline Creation:** Draw a simple visual timeline showing: Birth (1963) → Education → Marriage (1985) → Left husband → Pan Am job → Hijacking (1986) → Awards
2. **Three-Part Story Structure:** Break into Beginning (her life), Middle (the hijacking), End (awards and legacy) using three large cards
3. **Role-Play Simplified:** Act out the scene—student as Neerja hiding passports, another as terrorist (harmlessly), others as scared passengers
4. **Picture Sequencing:** Use 6-8 pictures showing key events in order
5. **Hero Qualities Chart:** Simple two-column chart: "What Neerja Did" | "What Quality This Shows"
6. **Vocabulary with Visuals:** Show pictures—hijacking (plane with armed people), purser (flight attendant with badge), awards (medals)
7. **Simple Questions per Section:** After each section, ask 2-3 basic questions before moving on
8. **Personal Connection:** "Would you help a younger child who was scared? Neerja helped children too."
9. **Map Activity:** Show Chandigarh (birthplace), Mumbai (school/work), Karachi (hijacking) on India/Pakistan map
10. **Repetition of Key Message:** Keep repeating: "Neerja put others first. She was brave. She saved many people."
## 10. Writing Activity (8 minutes)
**Writing Task:**
"Imagine you are one of the three children Neerja rescued during the hijacking. You are now grown up. Write a letter (150-180 words) to Neerja's parents, thanking them and sharing what their daughter's sacrifice means to you. Include:
- How you remember that frightening day
- What Neerja did to save you
- How her sacrifice has affected your life
- What you have achieved because she gave you a second chance at life
- Why you will always remember her courage"
**Guidelines:**
- Write in letter format (Date, Dear Mr. and Mrs. Bhanot, body, closing)
- Show genuine emotion and gratitude
- Include at least 3 vocabulary words from the lesson
- Reflect on the gift of life you received through her sacrifice
- End with a meaningful message of remembrance
## 11. Follow-up Activities
### Homework Assignment:
1. **Hero Research:** Research one other Indian hero (male or female) who showed great courage—from any field (military, sports, social work, science). Write a paragraph (120 words) comparing their heroism to Neerja's.
### Additional Activities:
2. **Family Interview:** Ask parents or grandparents about someone they consider a hero and why. Write 5-6 sentences about what you learned.
3. **Values Reflection:** Write a personal essay (150 words) titled "The Most Important Values in Life" inspired by Neerja's story.
4. **Courage Diary:** For one week, write daily about small acts of courage you witnessed or performed (standing up for truth, helping someone, overcoming fear).
### Extended Learning:
5. **Movie Analysis:** Watch the 2016 film "Neerja" (with parent permission) and write a review comparing the movie to the real events.
6. **Awards Research:** Research the Ashok Chakra award—when it was established, who else has received it, what criteria determine recipients.
7. **Aviation Safety Project:** Research how airline security has changed since 1986. Create a presentation showing security improvements.
8. **Social Justice Campaign:** Inspired by the Neerja Bhanot Trust's award for women overcoming injustice, create a poster about a social issue you care about (like dowry, child marriage, education for girls).
9. **Legacy Project:**
Duration: 45 minutes
Topic: Prose - "A Story of Self Sacrifice and Bravery" - The Life of Neerja Bhanot (Unit 2, Term III)
1. Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, the teacher aims to help students:
- Understand the concepts of courage, self-sacrifice, and heroism through a real-life example
- Analyze the life and heroic actions of Neerja Bhanot during the 1986 hijacking
- Recognize the importance of duty, responsibility, and putting others before oneself
- Develop reading comprehension through biographical and historical narrative
- Learn about terrorism, emergency response, and crisis management
- Build vocabulary related to aviation, bravery, and awards
- Appreciate how ordinary people can perform extraordinary acts of courage
- Understand the impact one person's bravery can have on many lives
2. Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Show courage in difficult situations by standing up for what is right
- Put others' needs first when helping family members, classmates, or those in trouble
- Stand against injustice and refuse to compromise on values and principles
- Think quickly and act decisively during emergencies or unexpected situations
- Complete their duties responsibly, whether at school, home, or in future careers
- Overcome personal challenges with strength and determination
- Speak the truth even when it's difficult or unpopular
- Inspire others through their actions and choices in daily life
3. Introduction (5 minutes)
Engaging Questions:
- "What does the word 'hero' mean to you? Can you name someone you consider a hero?"
- "If you were in danger, would you try to save yourself first or help others escape? Why?"
- "Have you heard of the Ashok Chakra award? What do you think it's given for?"
- "What would you do if you saw someone being treated unfairly or threatened?"
- "Do you think ordinary people doing their jobs can become heroes? How?"
4. Reading and Understanding (8 minutes)
New Vocabulary with Meanings:
| Word | Meaning | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Hijacking | Illegally seizing control of an aircraft using force | The plane was hijacked by terrorists |
| Purser | Senior flight attendant responsible for cabin crew and passengers | Neerja was the senior flight purser |
| Terrorists | People who use violence to achieve political aims | Four heavily armed terrorists seized the plane |
| Protocol | Official procedure or system of rules | Following protocol, the pilots escaped |
| Succumbed | Failed to resist; died from injuries | She succumbed to her wounds |
| Dowry | Money or property given by bride's family in marriage | She faced pressurizing dowry demands |
| Posthumously | After death; awarded after someone has died | She received awards posthumously |
| Ashok Chakra | India's highest peacetime gallantry award | She was awarded the Ashok Chakra |
| Civilian | Person not in armed forces or police | She was the youngest civilian recipient |
| Legacy | Something left behind that continues to influence | Her legacy inspires courage today |
5. Mind Map
A STORY OF SELF SACRIFICE AND BRAVERY
NEERJA BHANOT
|
┌──────────────────┼──────────────────┐
│ │ │
HER LIFE THE HIJACKING HER LEGACY
│ │ │
┌───┴───┐ ┌────┴────┐ ┌────┴────┐
│ │ │ │ │ │
EARLY CAREER THE HEROIC AWARDS INSPIRATION
LIFE │ EVENT ACTIONS │ │
│ │ │ │ │ │
Born Personal Sept 5, Saved Ashok Trust
Sept 7, struggles 1986 American Chakra established
1963 │ │ passengers India's │
│ │ │ │ highest Annual
Chandigarh Marriage Pan Am Hid honor awards
│ disaster Flight passports │ │
Sacred │ 73 │ Youngest Square
Heart Dowry │ Discarded civilian named
School demands Karachi down │ after her
│ │ Airport chute Pakistan's │
St. Left │ │ Tamgha-e- Children
Xavier's husband │ Alerted Insaniyat saved
College after 360 pilots │ became
Mumbai 2 months passengers │ USA's successful
│ │ │ Warning Justice │
│ Returned 4 armed code Award Continues
│ to Mumbai terrorists │ │ to inspire
│ │ │ Pilots Posthumous millions
│ Modelling │ escaped │ │
│ career 17-hour │ │ "Guts and
│ │ ordeal Helped │ inner
Applied Pan Am │ evacuate │ strength"
10,000 job │ passengers │ │
applicants│ Power │ │ Values &
│ │ ran out Stayed │ principles
Only 80 Trained │ behind │ │
chosen Miami & Terrorists Could │ Speaking
│ London opened have │ truth
Became │ fire escaped │ always
purser Senior │ │ │
cabin │ Rescued │
manager │ 3 children │
│ │ │ │
Security Chaos Shot by │
& passenger began terrorist │
complaints │ │ │
│ Fatal │
│ wounds │
│ │ │
│ Age 23 │
│ Sacrificed │
│ life for │
│ others │
6. Consolidation and Presentation (8 minutes)
Summary of the Lesson:
"A Story of Self Sacrifice and Bravery" chronicles the extraordinary life and ultimate sacrifice of Neerja Bhanot, a young Indian flight attendant who became a symbol of courage and selflessness. Her story demonstrates how ordinary individuals performing their duties can rise to become heroes when circumstances demand extraordinary action.
Section I - The Hijacking Crisis: On the morning of September 5, 1986, Pan Am Flight 73 was preparing to depart from Karachi's Jinnah International Airport when four heavily armed terrorists stormed the aircraft carrying 360 passengers. The terrorists' specific intent was to target American passengers. Twenty-two-year-old Neerja Bhanot, serving as the senior flight purser (the highest-ranking cabin crew member), immediately demonstrated quick thinking and courage.
Her first act of heroism was collecting and hiding American passports to protect those passengers. She cleverly discarded these documents down a rubbish chute, making it impossible for terrorists to identify their intended targets. This decisive action saved at least 39 out of 41 Americans on board.
Following protocol, Neerja used a warning code to alert the cockpit crew. Understanding the danger, the pilots, co-pilots, and flight engineers escaped through an alternate exit—a standard procedure to prevent terrorists from forcing the aircraft to fly to another location. This left Neerja as the highest-ranking crew member, responsible for 360 terrified passengers.
The ordeal lasted seventeen agonizing hours. As the aircraft's auxiliary power unit ran out, plunging the cabin into darkness, the terrorists panicked and began firing indiscriminately. In this moment of chaos and terror, Neerja took charge of evacuating passengers. Though she knew the escape routes and could have saved herself first, she chose to stay behind, helping others escape.
In her final moments, Neerja was rescuing three children when she was hit by bullets fired by a terrorist. She succumbed to her wounds, sacrificing her life to save others. Her selfless actions saved hundreds of lives.
Section II - Neerja's Life and Personal Strength: Born on September 7, 1963, in Chandigarh to Rama and Harish Bhanot, Neerja had a comfortable upbringing. She attended Sacred Heart School in Chandigarh and graduated from St. Xavier's College in Mumbai. However, her life wasn't without struggles.
In March 1985, at age 22, she married and moved to Sharjah, UAE. The marriage proved to be a "disaster" due to pressurizing dowry demands from her husband's family. Showing the same courage she would later display during the hijacking, Neerja refused to compromise her dignity. After just two months, she left her husband and returned to Mumbai—a bold decision for a young Indian woman in 1985.
Determined to build an independent life, she began a modeling career and then applied to Pan Am Airlines. Out of 10,000 applicants, only 80 were selected, and Neerja was among them. She underwent rigorous training in Miami and London, eventually earning the position of purser—the most senior cabin crew position responsible for handling security, passenger complaints, and overall cabin management.
Section III - Recognition and Enduring Legacy: Neerja's sacrifice received international recognition:
- India: She was posthumously awarded the Ashok Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award, becoming its youngest civilian recipient at age 23.
- Pakistan: Despite the hijacking occurring in Pakistan, the nation honored her with the Tamgha-e-Insaniyat (Medal of Humanity).
- United States: She received the Justice for Crimes Award posthumously.
Her parents, rather than being consumed by grief, channeled their loss into positive action. They established the Neerja Bhanot Pan Am Trust, which presents two annual awards: one for flight crew members who act beyond their call of duty, and another for Indian women who overcome social injustice—reflecting both aspects of Neerja's own life.
A public square in Mumbai's Ghatkopar suburb was named in her honor. Remarkably, one of the children she saved that day grew up to become an airline captain, carrying forward her legacy of service in aviation.
Testimonials: Those who knew Neerja described her consistent character:
- Her father, Harish Bhanot, remembered her as "a sensitive, decent person with well-defined principles" who refused to compromise on her values.
- Dr. Kishore Murthy, a passenger she saved, noted that she could have escaped like the pilots but chose to stay, demonstrating "guts and inner strength."
- Her classmate Eliza Lewis recalled that Neerja "was always brave and would always speak her mind and tell the truth."
Neerja Bhanot's story teaches us that true heroism lies not in seeking glory but in doing what's right when it matters most, even at great personal cost.
7. Reinforcement (5 minutes)
Additional Information:
- Historical Context: The 1980s saw increased airplane hijackings; Neerja's actions influenced new aviation security protocols still used today
- The Ashok Chakra: Named after Emperor Ashoka's Dharma Chakra, it's equivalent to the Param Vir Chakra (India's highest military award) but for civilians
- Aviation Protocol: The pilots' escape was standard procedure—preventing terrorists from using the aircraft as a weapon
- Dowry System: Neerja's personal struggle against dowry demands shows her lifelong courage to stand against injustice
- Pan Am Airlines: Once one of the world's largest airlines (ceased operations in 1991); Neerja represented its highest standards
- Age Factor: At 23, she was extraordinarily young to hold such senior responsibility and to demonstrate such mature judgment
- Global Impact: Her story has been featured in books, films (including the 2016 Bollywood movie "Neerja"), and educational curricula worldwide
- Modern Relevance: Her quick thinking, crisis management, and selflessness remain relevant lessons for security personnel and leaders today
8. Evaluation
a) Lower Order Thinking Question (Knowledge/Comprehension)
Question: "What were the three main heroic actions Neerja took during the hijacking, and what awards did she receive for her bravery?"
Expected Answer: Neerja's three main heroic actions were: 1) She saved American passengers by hiding their passports and discarding them down a rubbish chute, 2) She alerted the pilots using a warning code so they could escape and prevent the plane from being flown elsewhere, and 3) She stayed behind during evacuation to help passengers escape and was rescuing three children when she was fatally shot. She received the Ashok Chakra (India's highest peacetime bravery award), the Tamgha-e-Insaniyat from Pakistan, and the Justice for Crimes Award from the United States—all posthumously.
b) Middle Order Thinking Question (Application/Analysis)
Question: "Analyze Neerja's decision to stay and help passengers instead of escaping herself. What does this reveal about her character? How does her earlier decision to leave her marriage connect to her actions during the hijacking?"
Expected Answer: Neerja's decision to stay reveals several key character traits: selflessness (putting others before herself), strong sense of duty (taking her purser responsibilities seriously), courage under pressure (not panicking despite danger), and clear values (believing some things are more important than personal safety).
Her earlier decision to leave her marriage after two months connects directly to her hijacking actions. In both situations, she: refused to compromise her principles despite pressure, chose the difficult right path over the easy wrong one, showed independence and strength, and acted according to her values rather than fear. Her father said she had "well-defined principles" and her classmate said she "would always speak her mind and tell the truth." These weren't traits she developed suddenly during the hijacking—they were demonstrated throughout her short life. Both decisions required enormous courage for a young Indian woman in the 1980s.
c) Higher Order Thinking Question (Synthesis/Evaluation)
Question: "Evaluate the statement: 'Ordinary people doing their jobs can become heroes.' How does Neerja's story support this? What qualities can we develop in our daily lives that would help us act courageously when needed? Create a personal action plan inspired by Neerja's example."
Expected Answer: The statement is powerfully supported by Neerja's story. She was an "ordinary" young woman—a flight attendant doing her job. She wasn't a soldier, police officer, or trained for combat. Yet when circumstances demanded, she performed extraordinary acts. This proves that heroism isn't about having superpowers or special training—it's about character, values, and choices we make in critical moments.
Qualities we can develop daily that prepared Neerja for her heroic moment:
- Strong principles: Know what you believe in and stand for
- Sense of duty: Take responsibilities seriously, whether big or small
- Quick thinking: Practice solving problems calmly
- Empathy: Care about others' wellbeing
- Courage in small things: Stand up for what's right even in daily situations
- Truthfulness: Always speak truth, like Eliza noted about Neerja
- Selflessness: Help others without expecting recognition
Personal Action Plan:
- At School: Stand up for classmates being bullied; don't stay silent when seeing injustice
- At Home: Take family responsibilities seriously; help siblings or elderly family members without being asked
- In Community: Help those in need—elderly crossing streets, lost children finding parents
- Value Building: Practice saying "no" to wrong things even when friends pressure me
- Emergency Preparedness: Learn basic first aid and emergency procedures
- Daily Duty: Complete school duties, assignments, and chores with commitment—practicing responsibility now
- Speaking Truth: Even when difficult, tell the truth and admit mistakes
- Selfless Acts: Do one thing daily for someone else without expecting anything in return
These small daily actions build the character that enables heroic actions when needed. Neerja didn't suddenly become brave on September 5, 1986—she had been brave all her life in smaller ways, which prepared her for that ultimate test.
9. Remedial Teaching
Strategy for Slow Learners:
- Timeline Creation: Draw a simple visual timeline showing: Birth (1963) → Education → Marriage (1985) → Left husband → Pan Am job → Hijacking (1986) → Awards
- Three-Part Story Structure: Break into Beginning (her life), Middle (the hijacking), End (awards and legacy) using three large cards
- Role-Play Simplified: Act out the scene—student as Neerja hiding passports, another as terrorist (harmlessly), others as scared passengers
- Picture Sequencing: Use 6-8 pictures showing key events in order
- Hero Qualities Chart: Simple two-column chart: "What Neerja Did" | "What Quality This Shows"
- Vocabulary with Visuals: Show pictures—hijacking (plane with armed people), purser (flight attendant with badge), awards (medals)
- Simple Questions per Section: After each section, ask 2-3 basic questions before moving on
- Personal Connection: "Would you help a younger child who was scared? Neerja helped children too."
- Map Activity: Show Chandigarh (birthplace), Mumbai (school/work), Karachi (hijacking) on India/Pakistan map
- Repetition of Key Message: Keep repeating: "Neerja put others first. She was brave. She saved many people."
10. Writing Activity (8 minutes)
Writing Task: "Imagine you are one of the three children Neerja rescued during the hijacking. You are now grown up. Write a letter (150-180 words) to Neerja's parents, thanking them and sharing what their daughter's sacrifice means to you. Include:
- How you remember that frightening day
- What Neerja did to save you
- How her sacrifice has affected your life
- What you have achieved because she gave you a second chance at life
- Why you will always remember her courage"
Guidelines:
- Write in letter format (Date, Dear Mr. and Mrs. Bhanot, body, closing)
- Show genuine emotion and gratitude
- Include at least 3 vocabulary words from the lesson
- Reflect on the gift of life you received through her sacrifice
- End with a meaningful message of remembrance
11. Follow-up Activities
Homework Assignment:
- Hero Research: Research one other Indian hero (male or female) who showed great courage—from any field (military, sports, social work, science). Write a paragraph (120 words) comparing their heroism to Neerja's.
Additional Activities:
-
Family Interview: Ask parents or grandparents about someone they consider a hero and why. Write 5-6 sentences about what you learned.
-
Values Reflection: Write a personal essay (150 words) titled "The Most Important Values in Life" inspired by Neerja's story.
-
Courage Diary: For one week, write daily about small acts of courage you witnessed or performed (standing up for truth, helping someone, overcoming fear).
Extended Learning:
-
Movie Analysis: Watch the 2016 film "Neerja" (with parent permission) and write a review comparing the movie to the real events.
-
Awards Research: Research the Ashok Chakra award—when it was established, who else has received it, what criteria determine recipients.
-
Aviation Safety Project: Research how airline security has changed since 1986. Create a presentation showing security improvements.
-
Social Justice Campaign: Inspired by the Neerja Bhanot Trust's award for women overcoming injustice, create a poster about a social issue you care about (like dowry, child marriage, education for girls).
-
Legacy Project: Design a memorial or monument in honor of Neerja Bhanot. Draw it and write a 100-word explanation of your design choices and symbolism.
-
Heroism in Daily Life: Collect newspaper/internet stories about ordinary people who acted heroically. Create a scrapbook with 5 stories and brief explanations of what made each person heroic.
Assessment Criteria:
- Comprehension of biographical and historical events (25%)
- Understanding of heroism, sacrifice, and values (20%)
- Vocabulary usage and language skills (20%)
- Emotional intelligence and empathy (20%)
- Application of lessons to personal life (15%)
Resources Needed:
- Map showing India, Pakistan, Karachi
- Pictures of Neerja Bhanot and Pan Am aircraft
- Images of awards (Ashok Chakra, other medals)
- Timeline template
- Video clips of news coverage (age-appropriate)
- Pictures of modern airport security for comparison
Cross-Curricular Connections:
- History: 1980s global terrorism, India-Pakistan relations, aviation history
- Geography: India, Pakistan, UAE, international air routes
- Social Studies: Social issues (dowry), women's empowerment, justice systems
- Values Education: Courage, sacrifice, duty, integrity, standing against injustice
- Current Affairs: Modern aviation security, terrorism prevention
- Career Education: Aviation careers, responsibilities of different professions
- Life Skills: Emergency response, quick thinking, leadership in crisis
No comments:
Post a Comment
Post a comment