Manashimaya
In the annals of history, few incidents have left as lasting an imprint on the collective memory of a nation as the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814. On December 24, 1999, this routine flight, carrying 189 passengers, was taken hostage by members of the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen terror group. Among the passengers was Pooja Kataria, a newlywed woman returning from her honeymoon in Kathmandu. Now, 24 years later, Kataria still holds on to a unique souvenir from that harrowing ordeal: a shawl gifted to her by one of the hijackers, code-named Burger.
This blog explores the significance of this unusual keepsake and how it represents a profound part of Kataria’s life. “An Endearing Keepsake: Pooja Kataria Reflects on a Cherished Memory” captures a personal story and an unforgettable chapter in India’s history.
The Day That Changed Everything
On that fateful day in December, Pooja Kataria’s life took an unexpected and terrifying turn. The flight she was on with her husband was hijacked by terrorists who demanded the release of Sajjad Afghani, a militant leader. Initially, the passengers were unaware that the plane had been taken over. It was only as events unfolded that the reality of their dire situation set in. For Kataria, the incident became a haunting memory, one she would carry with her for years.
In an interview with “The Indian Express”, Kataria recalled, “December 27” was my birthday. On December 26, when one of the terrorists saw that people were panicking, he tried to calm them down. I then requested him, ‘It’s my birthday tomorrow. Please allow us to go home. We are innocent.’” To her surprise, the hijacker responded by gifting her the shawl he was wearing, a gesture Kataria remembers vividly. “An Endearing Keepsake: Pooja Kataria Reflects on a Cherished Memory” continues to resonate in her life.
A Gift From a Hijacker
The hijacker, known by his code name “Burger”, wrote on the shawl, “To my dearest sister and her handsome husband… Burger 30/12/99.” While some people have mocked Kataria for keeping such an unusual item, she sees it differently. To her, the shawl symbolises survival—a second chance at life. As she explains, the gift represents a moment of humanity in the midst of unimaginable terror.
“I have kept that shawl as a symbol of our second birth,” she says, emphasising how significant the object has become for her. “An Endearing Keepsake: Pooja Kataria Reflects on a Cherished Memory” is a testament to her resilience and the strange way life sometimes offers unexpected tokens of remembrance.
The Aftermath and Lingering Memories
After the hijacking, Pooja Kataria did not board another flight for an entire decade, her fear lingering long after the incident ended. “When you don’t know whether you will return to your loved ones or not, it’s the most dreadful feeling,” she told reporters. The incident left an indelible mark on her, shaping how she navigates life, especially when it comes to air travel.
Kataria also spoke about the Netflix series “IC-814 Kandahar Hijack”, which recently reignited controversy due to its portrayal of the hijackers’ code names.The series led to a public debate, but Kataria defended it, stating, “I don’t know why people are making a controversy… This is based on a real event and the names were also factual.”
Conclusion
“An Endearing Keepsake: Pooja Kataria Reflects on a Cherished Memory’’ serves as a powerful reminder of how deeply personal and historical events can intertwine. For Kataria, the shawl is more than just a piece of cloth—it represents survival, resilience, and the strength to move forward despite overwhelming odds. While others may mock her for holding onto this strange birthday gift, she knows its true value. It is a symbol of life itself, a testament to her enduring spirit.
