Neha Saini Amritsar, July 7 “I believe that in a time of calamity, one doesn’t have the time to be afraid. One has to act.” The words of Jaswant Singh Gill, a real life hero, reflect upon his perspective on the happenings of the eventful day of November 14, 1989. The former chief mining engineer with Coal India in Raniganj, West Bengal, had rescued 65 miners trapped inside a flooding coal mine and rest as they say is history. The septuagenarian, who now lives a quiet life in Amritsar, was honoured by the World Book of Records as his rescue feat, which was one of the first such operations in the country at the time, has been indicted as the ‘world’s largest coal mine rescue operation.’ At an event at Amritsar Club, Singh recalled the day as he was honoured by UK Parliamentarian Varinder Sharma. Rescuing the miners one by one using an iron capsule that Singh designed, the operation lasted for six hours and earned him prestigious awards and honours subsequently. His accomplishment, the Limca Book of Records has specially certified this operation as a national record in the history of coal mining. He was also awarded the Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak by President Ramaswamy Venkataraman in 1991. Sharing his example, Gill said that the youth today should take lead and set such examples of bravery rather than wasting their life’s purpose to drug abuse. “There are several such incidents that the young generation should take inspiration from. Find your courage and say no to drugs and contribute constructively towards society,” he said. Singh’s brave act will also be made into a movie as actor Akshay Kumar is said to be making a film titled ‘Capsule Gill’ (Black Diamond). Representatives of World Book of Records, Randeep Kohli and Rotarians also commended Gill’s courageous act at the ceremony.

Stay updated with all the Amritsar Latest News headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.