Jaswant Singh Gill

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Jaswant Singh Gill (November 22, 1939 – November 26, 2019) was an Indian engineer known for his significant contributions to mining safety and his heroic efforts in coal mine rescue operations. This article provides an objective account of his life and achievements.

Early life and education

Gill was born in Sathiala, Amritsar, Punjab, India, on November 22, 1939. He pursued his early education at an Urdu School and later attended Khalsa College Public School in Amritsar, Punjab. In 1959, he obtained a BSc Non-Medical degree from Khalsa College, and his passion for mining engineering led him to enroll at the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, where he graduated in 1965. In a remarkable display of determination, he also pursued a law degree at Khalsa College, an endeavor he continued until his passing in 2019.

Career

After completing his education, Gill embarked on a career in the mining industry. He began his professional journey at Karam Chand Thapar & Bros (Coal Sales) Ltd. However, his most significant contributions came during his tenure at Coal India Limited, where he joined as an engineer in 1972. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, eventually holding the position of Chief General Manager ED (Safety & Rescue) at Coal India Limited in Raniganj, West Bengal. His expertise in mining engineering and commitment to safety played a pivotal role in enhancing mining operations' safety standards.

Coal mine rescue operation (1989)

On November 13 of that year, a tragic coal mine accident occurred in Raniganj, West Bengal, resulting in 65 miners being trapped in a borewell due to flooding. Gill devised a daring rescue operation that involved a specially designed steel capsule. Without hesitation, he descended into the borewell and executed the rescue mission, successfully saving all 65 trapped miners. This courageous act marked India's first successful coal mine rescue operation and earned Gill widespread acclaim.

Achievements and contributions

Gill played a significant role in the successful rescue of 14 miners trapped in a coal mine in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya, following the 1989 incident.

In recognition of his bravery, Gill received numerous awards and honors. In 2008, he was appointed as a member of the Disaster Management Committee in Amritsar, Punjab, contributing to disaster preparedness and response efforts. Additionally, on April 26, 2018, he was appointed as the President of Rotary International, actively participating in various social service activities.

Death and legacy

In early 2019, He was invited as a guest speaker at the Punjabi talk show 'Josh Talks,' where he shared his experiences and insights.

Gill passed away on November 26, 2019, at his home in Amritsar, Punjab, India, due to cardiac arrest. To honor his memory, the Jaswant Singh Gill Memorial Industrial Safety Excellence Award was established. A chowk (intersection) on Majitha Road, Amritsar, was named after him. Furthermore, a memorial gate was erected in his honor at Kunustoria Area, Eastern Coalfield Limited, and a garden was dedicated to him in ECL West Bengal. His portrait was unveiled at the Sikh Museum in the Holy Golden Temple on April 11, 2022.

In 2017, Indian director Tinu Desai approached Jaswant Singh Gill with the idea of a biopic based on his life. Unfortunately, Jaswant passed away in 2019 before this project could come to fruition.