Jaswant Singh Gill, the Man who Saved 65 Miners in Bengal, Passes Away at 80

Amritsar, November 28, 2019:

Jaswant Singh Gill, the man who saved 65 miners trapped inside a flooded mine in Raniganj in West Bengal, passed away on Tuesday at Amritsar, at 80. Gill reportedly died of a heart attack and is survived by wife Nirdosh Kaur, and his two sons and four daughters.

Gill, who leaves behind a legacy of courage, designed a capsule to rescue the miners, ensuring that each one comes out safe and alive. Gill was posted as Additional Chief Mining Engineer and was trained in rescue operations.

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For his incredible feat, Gill received several awards and recognitions, the most prominent being Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak by President Ramaswamy Venkataraman in 1991.

Gill, who is celebrated across the nation as an icon, was cremated with full state honours at Shaheedan Wala Crematorium on Wednesday morning.

The entire nation mourned the demise of the national icon, and his last rites were attended by many dignitaries and politicians, including Deputy Commissioner Shivdular Singh.

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Due to his expertise, Gill was called in for aiding rescue operations of coal miners trapped inside the flooded mines at East Jaintia Hill in Meghalaya last year.

The Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, also expressed his grief at the passing away of the national hero. "Saddened by the news of the demise of Jaswant Singh Gill ji who became a global icon for his bravery in saving 65 trapped miners at

 

data-query-source="hashtag_click">#Raniganj. We are indebted to his efforts in aiding the rescue operations to save the trapped miners in

 

data-query-source="hashtag_click">#Meghalaya. May his soul rest in peace", he wrote.

 

Bollywood actor Ajay Devgan is as reportedly set to make a biopic on his life and the rescue operation he carried out in the Mahabir coalfield in Raniganj.

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