In a remarkable display of unity and resilience, a diverse team of workers hailing from different religious backgrounds came together to rescue 41 trapped workers in the Uttarakhand tunnel. The head of the company, Vaqeel Hasan, emphasized the harmonious collaboration between Hindus and Muslims in his team, highlighting the message of unity and the collective effort that made the successful rescue mission possible.
Rockwell Enterprises, based in Delhi and led by Hasan, played a pivotal role in the rescue operation. Twelve individuals from the company, six from Delhi and six from Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr, showcased exceptional courage and skill when called into action after a drilling machine malfunctioned. Working tirelessly in cramped conditions, they dug approximately 12 meters to reach the trapped workers.
The team, consisting of Hasan, Munna Qureshi, Naseem Malik, Monu Kumar, Saurabh, Jatin Kumar, Ankur, Nasir Khan, Devendra, Firoz Qureshi, Rashid Ansari, and Irshad Ansari, demonstrated their expertise in maneuvering through narrow pipes and excavating soil—a skill integral to their work with the Delhi Jal Board. Often referred to as “rat hole miners,” these individuals excel in navigating confined spaces to carry out essential tasks.
Hasan explained that their usual job involves entering pipes like mice, digging the soil, and working in tandem to ensure efficient progress. The rescue operation in Silkyara presented a different challenge, with the added pressure of saving lives motivating the team even further.
“Lives were at stake here. More than 140 crore people, along with the whole world, were counting on us. It created pressure, but it also gave us the motivation that we must do this and there is no scope for failure or getting lazy or tired,” Hasan shared.
Despite the challenging conditions, the team worked tirelessly in four shifts of six hours each to ensure continuous progress. Hasan emphasized the physical demands of their work, requiring small and lean body sizes, great stamina, and precision in maneuvering through the narrow pipes.
Remarkably, the team did not accept any payment for their heroic efforts. Hasan stated, “We did not want any money in exchange for this work. This was not any other job for us but a mission to save 41 lives.” The company that called them in, Navayuga, covered their travel expenses for the mission.
This heartening story serves as a powerful testament to the strength of unity, diversity, and selfless dedication. The diverse backgrounds of the team members dissolved in the face of a shared mission—to save lives. Hasan’s message of harmony and collaboration resonates beyond the immediate success of the rescue, reminding us all of the positive impact that can be achieved when people come together for a common cause.
