September 05

Born in 1963 in Mumbai, Neerja Bhanot joined Pan Am as a flight attendant and quickly gained a reputation for her professionalism and compassion. On September 5, 1986, Pan Am Flight 73 was hijacked in Karachi, and Bhanot alerted passengers to the danger and opened emergency exits, allowing many to escape. Although she could have saved herself, she chose to help others and was fatally shot while protecting three children. At just 23, she became the youngest person to receive India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, the Ashok Chakra, posthumously. Her courage and selflessness continue to inspire awards, scholarships, and the 2016 biographical film “Neerja.”

Allen Albert Funt (1914-1999) was a pioneering American television producer, director, and screenwriter. He created and hosted the groundbreaking series Candid Camera, popularizing hidden-camera pranks. Funt began his career in radio before transitioning to television in the late 1940s. His innovative approach combined humor with unscripted public reactions. Over decades, Candid Camera influenced reality TV formats and spawned international versions. Funt also wrote and directed feature films and produced special televised events.

Justin Pierre James Wilson (1914-2001) was an American chef, humorist, and best-selling cookbook author. Born in Gordo, Alabama, he popularized Cajun and Creole cuisine on television and in print. With his trademark Cajun accent and tall tales, he charmed audiences on cooking shows. Wilson wrote over a dozen cookbooks blending recipes with humorous anecdotes. He also recorded comedy albums featuring his storytelling and regional folklore. His legacy endures in the continued popularity of Cajun dishes in American kitchens.

Gani Fawehinmi (1938–2009) emerged as one of Nigeria's most fearless legal advocates, often taking on high-profile cases against government officials. He founded the Nigerian Bar Association's Section on Public Interest and Development Law to support pro bono work. Fawehinmi published newspapers and wrote articles exposing corruption and promoting democratic governance. He challenged multiple military regimes in court, securing judgments in favor of civil rights and fair trials. His courageous stance made him a prominent voice in Nigeria's pro-democracy movement. Despite facing arrests and harassment, he continued to defend press freedom and social justice. Fawehinmi passed away on September 5, 2009, leaving a legacy of legal activism and reform.

Born in 1930, Bruce Morton enjoyed a distinguished career in broadcast journalism. He served as a correspondent for major networks, covering presidential administrations and global events. Morton reported from the White House and Congress, delivering authoritative news to viewers. He was known for his clear, balanced reporting and ability to explain complex political matters. Throughout decades on air, he earned respect from colleagues and audiences alike. His dedication to journalistic integrity set a standard for future generations of reporters.