Dehradun: He is no Gabbar Singh of Bollywood Blockbuster Sholay- Mera Naam Gabbar hai fame. Here it is Gabbar Singh Negi, a real life hero. Gabbar Singh, a foreman among a group of 41 workers trapped for 17 days in a collapsed tunnel in Silkiara in Uttarakhand, has emerged as a guiding real life force that held the group together. He has no magic wand, but he taught them India's time honoured..... inside the dark death hell of collapsed tunnel..... read on.
It was not his first tryst with death in the tunnel. Negi had faced the ordeal of three previous tunnel collapse as well.
Negi's two decades of experience in tunnel construction, coupled with his innate leadership skills, proved crucial during the challenging circumstances.
The group's calmness throughout the mishap was attributed to Negi's wisdom and commitment to their safety.
During the 400 hours spent in the tunnel, Negi not only maintained the group's composure but also took proactive measures. He taught his colleagues yoga and meditation, ensuring they stayed physically and mentally active.
Promising to be the last to be rescued, Negi kept his word, emerging from the tunnel at 8.30 PM , reinforcing his commitment to the well-being of those trapped with him.
Praising Negi's tenacity, his elder brother, Jaymal Singh Negi, highlighted the foreman's selfless concern for others' safety. The family, elated by Negi's safe return, lauded his leadership as he remained alert ensuring the well-being of his colleagues over his own.
Dr. Prem Pokhriyal, responsible for the healthcare of the 41 men, commended Negi's courage and character, crediting him for preventing the group from crumbling in the face of tragedy.
Pokhriyal said with a mindset like Negi's, any grim situation can be effectively handled.
As the rescue operation unfolded, heroes emerged across various fronts, including the families of the trapped workers, experts, technicians, RAT miners, frontline workers, the Indian Air Force, Army, NDRF, SDRF, Uttarakhand Police, doctors, ambulance teams, government agencies, and the media. The collective efforts and prayers played a vital role in the success of the operation.
It was a team of 12 RAT miners who pulled out the 41 workers out from the tunnel finally 
Silkiara tunnel is being constructed by the NFCL company as a part of the project connecting the Char Dham in Uttarakhand.
In the spirit of solidarity, let's applaud the inspiring story of Mr. Gabbar Singh Negi and wish him, the 40 other rescued men, their friends, and families all the best.
May their resilience continue to inspire many others.
(Anoop Nautiyal, is President, SDC Foundation, Dehradun)
