In a telephonic interaction with the rescued workerslate on Tuesday night, the PM lauded the efforts of Negi and Saba Ahmed (another worker) for their indomitable spirit and leadership during the crisis.He also praised the strength and “patience” of the workers and their family members, and their cooperation during the rescue process rather than creating pressure on agencies.
PM Modi praises rescued worker Gabbar Singh | Uttarkashi Tunnel Rescue, 41 workers rescued
‘There was not a single moment when we felt weak’
I used to get daily reports of the two of you (Negi and Ahmed) who showed leadership and team spirit during the crisis. Perhaps, some university will have to prepare a case study on the leadership quality of a man from a village (Negi) that even during a crisis, he took care of the group and led them. Being a local, you could make others understand everything easily,” Modi said. The PM also invoked Lord Badrinath and Kedarnath, and the prayers of all Indians for the successful rescue of the workers who were trapped since Diwali.
Reciprocating the PM’s gesture, Negi, who had earlier been trapped for several days after a landslide in Sikkim, said they never worried as they were within the country. “When the country has a PM like you and when you can rescue our people from other countries, we had no worries and had all the faith as we were in the country. During the crisis, everyone in the group followed my guidance,” the resident of Pauri Garhwal said.
Singh’s brother had earlier told TV channels that he had told the family that he being the most senior among the workers would be the last to come out.
Speaking about their experience in the tunnel, Ahmed told the PM, “After dinner, we used to walk in the 2.5km-long passage. Even though we were from different states, all of us lived like brothers, encouraging each other through the tough times. Unity was our strength. We played, had food together, and spoke at length. We started the day with yoga, some exercise, and walking. There was not a single moment when we felt weak or worried.”
The PM commended the workers for their show of unity during the crisis. “Seventeen days is not a short period but the courage displayed by everyone and the spirit to keep each other motivated was exemplary. At times, quarrels break out even among people travelling in a railway coach, but your patience and determination to tackle the situation are praiseworthy,” he added.
The PM further said that although he had intended to speak with the rescued workers only after their complete treatment, his “joy and enthusiasm” prompted a conversation on the night the workers were rescued. He lauded the calmness exhibited by their family members, friends and relatives.
He added that the entire country was concerned about the well-being of workers and even some G20 leaders had asked him about their condition.
The workers also thanked Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, Union minister V K Singh, the rescue teams and Navyug Engineering, the company building the tunnel. The PM also praised the two leaders for staying at the site and overseeing the rescue operation. Modi said Singh, who retired as chief of the Indian Army, displayed his training as a disciplined soldier.
During the interaction, the workers said they never felt weak nor had anxiety as they were getting all supplies and necessary support from outside. Akhilesh, a worker from Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh, said. “We are happy after coming out from the tunnel, but people outside are happier. They put in their best efforts.” He added that initially, they kept their mobile phones on battery saving mode so that they could check time, but later they were sent chargers, which brought them more relief.