Jaswant Singh Gill Wikipedia, Wiki, Death
Jaswant Singh Gill Wikipedia, Wiki, Death – Jaswant Singh Gill, often referred to as “The Capsule Gill,” was an Indian engineer-in-chief whose remarkable bravery and determination saved the lives of 65 coal miners during a harrowing coal mine accident in Raniganj, West Bengal, in 1989. His heroic rescue operation is not only celebrated in India but also recognized worldwide as the first successful coal mine rescue operation. In this comprehensive article, we delve into the life and achievements of this extraordinary individual, covering various aspects of his life, career, and legacy.
Jaswant Singh Early Life and Education
Jaswant Singh Gill, born on 22 November 1939, in Sathiala, Amritsar, Punjab, India, came from humble beginnings. He belonged to a Sikh family and was the fourth among five children of his parents, Daswandha Singh Gill and Sardarni Preetam Kaur Gill. His father worked as a senior clerk at the postal department in Amritsar. Jaswant’s educational journey began at an Urdu School, where he studied from class 1 to 4. Later, he completed his class 12 education at Khalsa College School in Amritsar.
Jaswant’s thirst for knowledge and his dedication to his studies led him to pursue higher education. He enrolled in Khalsa College, Amritsar, where he earned a B.Sc. in non-medical subjects in 1959. He continued his academic journey by attending Panjab University, Chandigarh. However, his most significant academic achievement was obtaining a degree in Mining Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, where he studied from 1961 to 1965.
During his college and university years, Jaswant Singh Gill was not only a diligent student but also an active participant in various athletic and bhangra competitions, showcasing his versatility and enthusiasm.
Jaswant Singh Personal Life and Legacy
Jaswant Singh Gill was a loving husband to his wife, Nirdosh Kaur, and a devoted father to his children. He had two sons, one of whom, Dr. Sarpreet Singh Gill, is a respected cardiologist at Johns Hopkins University in the USA, and two daughters, including Poonam Gill. He hailed from a close-knit Sikh family, with his parents, Daswandha Singh Gill and Sardarni Preetam Kaur Gill, and siblings Kulwant Singh Gill, Dr. Harwant Singh Gill, Narinder Kaur, and Dr. Raminder Kaur.
Jaswant Singh Gill’s legacy lives on through various memorials and awards instituted in his honor. The Jaswant Singh Gill Memorial Industrial Safety Excellence Award, established with a prize money of Rs 50,000, pays tribute to his remarkable contributions. Additionally, a chowk on Majitha Road, Amritsar, and a memorial gate at Kunustoria Area, Eastern Coalfield Limited, have been named after him. His portrait was unveiled at the Sikh Museum in the Holy Golden Temple, where his family members proudly commemorated his achievements.
In popular culture, Jaswant Singh Gill’s story is being brought to the silver screen. Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar is set to portray the heroic engineer in the Hindi film ‘Capsule Gill,’ formerly known as ‘Mission Raniganj.’ This cinematic tribute further solidifies Jaswant Singh Gill’s enduring impact on society and culture.
Jaswant Singh Career and Brave Rescue Operation
After completing his education, Jaswant Singh Gill embarked on a career that would eventually lead him to become a celebrated hero. He initially received a job offer from Karam Chand Thapar & Bros (Coal Sales) Ltd., a coal firm, where he worked for a few years. His dedication and commitment to his work were evident during this period.
In 1972, Jaswant made a significant career move by joining Coal India Limited as an engineer. His journey within the organization was marked by steady progression. He moved up the ranks, holding positions such as Sub-Divisional Engineer and later, Executive Engineer at Coal India Limited.
His career reached its zenith when he was promoted to the role of Chief General Manager ED (Safety & Rescue) at Coal India Limited, stationed in Raniganj, West Bengal. Little did he know that this position would lead him to a life-defining moment and the opportunity to display extraordinary courage.
- Brave Rescue Operation
On 13 November 1989, an unimaginable tragedy struck a coal mine in Raniganj, West Bengal, where 220 coal miners were hard at work. The day took a devastating turn when, during a series of blasts intended to break the coal mine, someone inadvertently touched the upper seam of the mine. This accidental touch triggered a catastrophic event – water began to flood the mine, putting the lives of 71 miners at grave risk.
In the ensuing chaos, six miners tragically drowned, while 65 others found themselves trapped in the submerged borewell. As news of the disaster spread, Jaswant Singh Gill, then serving as the Chief General Manager ED (Safety & Rescue) at Coal India Limited, arrived at the scene. It was here that he would go on to make history.
Undeterred by the gravity of the situation and the risks involved, Jaswant Singh Gill immediately devised a plan to rescue the trapped miners. His ingenious solution was to create a steel capsule that could be used to evacuate one person at a time from the borewell. The task of constructing this capsule was immense, but with unwavering determination and the support of his team, it was accomplished in record time.
A significant challenge remained – Jaswant Singh needed skilled individuals to operate the capsule and carry out the perilous rescue. Unfortunately, the two rescue men he had initially briefed abandoned the mission at the last moment, leaving Jaswant with no choice but to undertake the rescue himself.
With remarkable courage and the conviction that he must save the miners at any cost, Jaswant Singh Gill entered the capsule on the night of 16 November 1989, at 2:30 am. As he descended into the borewell, he encountered a life-threatening situation. The new steel rope used for the descent caused the capsule to spin rapidly in both clockwise and counterclockwise motions, intensifying the danger. Despite the terrifying ordeal, Jaswant remained resolute, demonstrating unparalleled determination and concentration.
After approximately 15 minutes, he reached the pit bottom, where manual winches were used to lower the capsule. What awaited him was a daunting sight – 65 miners, their faces etched with fear, were awaiting rescue. Jaswant immediately began evacuating them one by one, starting with those who were injured or unwell. He methodically assigned tokens, ensuring an orderly and efficient rescue.
After successfully saving all 65 miners, Jaswant Singh Gill emerged from the borewell, completing the rescue operation that lasted nearly six hours. This remarkable feat not only saved numerous lives but also etched Jaswant’s name in history as a true hero.
Jaswant Singh Awards and Recognitions
Jaswant Singh Gill’s extraordinary bravery did not go unnoticed. He received numerous awards, honors, and accolades throughout his lifetime. In 1991, he was honored with the Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak by President Ramaswamy Venkataraman. His achievements were further acknowledged with the Limca Book of Record in 2005, recognizing him as the national record holder for the most successful and largest rescue operation in mining history. He was also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for Mining by the Indian School of Mines Alumni Association (ISMAA) in 2009 and received the prestigious Swami Vivekanand Award of Excellence in 2013.
Jaswant Singh Awards, Honours, and Achievements
Jaswant Singh Gill’s extraordinary bravery and selflessness did not go unnoticed. He received numerous awards and honours in recognition of his heroic actions and contributions to mining safety. Some of the most notable awards and recognitions he received include:
- Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak (1991): Awarded by the then President Ramaswamy Venkataraman, this honour recognized Jaswant Singh Gill’s exceptional efforts in saving lives.
- Limca Book of Record (2005): Jaswant Singh Gill was recognized as a national record holder for executing the most successful and largest rescue operation in mining history. This achievement was a testament to his unparalleled courage and resourcefulness.
- Lifetime Achievement Award for Mining (2009): Presented by the Indian School of Mines Alumni Association (ISMAA), Delhi, this award celebrated Jaswant’s long-standing dedication to the field of mining.
- Lifetime Achievement Award (2013): Conferred upon him by the then Union Minister Sri Prakash Jaiswal, this recognition highlighted his lifetime of exceptional service.
- Swami Vivekanand Award of Excellence (2013): Jaswant Singh Gill was honored with this prestigious award, reflecting his commitment to excellence in his field.
- Outstanding Services to Humanity Award (2014): Presented by Harman Educational & Social Welfare Society, Amritsar, this award acknowledged his exceptional contributions to humanity.
- World Book of Record (2018): The World Book of Records, London, UK, recognized Jaswant Singh Gill’s achievement in executing the Largest Coal Mine Rescue Operation in history.
- Indian Iconic Award (2018): Presented by Real Flavours Media Group, this award celebrated Jaswant’s iconic status and contributions to society.
- Pride of the Nation Award (2019): Conferred in Delhi, this award recognized his role as a source of pride for the nation.
- Honorary Doctorate (PhD) (2019): Jaswant Singh Gill was posthumously awarded an Honorary Doctorate (PhD) by Universal Achievers University, Tamil Nadu, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to society.
Jaswant Singh Legacy and Impact
Jaswant Singh Gill’s legacy extends far beyond the awards and recognitions he received during his lifetime. His courageous act of saving 65 miners from the depths of a flooded coal mine has left an indelible mark on India’s history and serves as an inspiration to generations to come.
In his memory and to honor his contributions to industrial safety and rescue operations, the Jaswant Singh Gill Memorial Industrial Safety Excellence Award was established, offering an award amount of Rs 50,000. Additionally, a chowk (intersection) on Majitha Road in Amritsar was named after him, serving as a constant reminder of his heroism.
His impact is not limited to India alone; a memorial gate was erected at the Kunustoria Area of Eastern Coalfield Limited, West Bengal, and a garden in ECL West Bengal was also named in his honor.
Furthermore, a bulletin was released in his memory, ensuring that his heroic actions and contributions are never forgotten.
In April 2022, a portrait of Jaswant Singh Gill was unveiled at the Sikh Museum located in the Holy Golden Temple, a testament to the enduring respect and admiration he commands. The event was attended by his family members, who continue to preserve his legacy.
Jaswant Singh Gill’s legacy reached even further as his life story inspired filmmakers to bring his heroic tale to the silver screen. In November 2022, the first look of Indian actor Akshay Kumar portraying Jaswant Singh Gill in the Hindi film ‘Capsule Gill,’ later renamed ‘Mission Raniganj,’ was revealed. Akshay Kumar’s involvement in the project reflects the profound impact of Jaswant’s story, which continues to captivate hearts and minds.
Conclusion
Jaswant Singh Gill’s life exemplifies the essence of courage, determination, and selflessness. His heroic rescue operation in 1989 not only saved lives but also inspired generations. His legacy continues to flourish through the recognition he receives, the awards established in his name, and the cinematic portrayal of his story. Jaswant Singh Gill’s indomitable spirit serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the extraordinary capabilities of the human spirit. His bravery in the face of adversity reminds us all of the boundless possibilities when one person dares to make a difference.
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When was Jaswant Singh Gill born?
Jaswant Singh Gill was born on November 22, 1939.
What is the story of Jaswant Singh Gill?
Jaswant Singh Gill’s remarkable story revolves around his heroic coal mine rescue operation in Raniganj, West Bengal, in 1989. He saved the lives of 65 trapped miners, making history with India’s first successful coal mine rescue operation. His courage, determination, and selflessness in the face of adversity continue to inspire generations.
Which biopic is Jaswant Singh Gill in?
Jaswant Singh Gill’s heroic life and rescue operation are being portrayed in the Hindi film ‘Capsule Gill,’ previously known as ‘Mission Raniganj.’ Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar plays the role of Jaswant Singh Gill in this cinematic tribute.
Who is Jaswant Singh Gill’s son?
Jaswant Singh Gill’s son is Dr. Sarpreet Singh Gill, a respected cardiologist at Johns Hopkins University in the USA.
