Gabbar Singh Negi and a Master Class for Leadership in Adversity

Anoop Nautiyal

If one is looking for a master Class for leadership in adversity, go meet or listen to Gabbar Singh Negi. More in the post here. Of the group of 41 across eight states of the country that were trapped in a tunnel for 17 days in Uttarkashi, two came from Uttarakhand. One of these was the foreman, Mr. Gabbar Singh Negi. Mr. Negi has had the unfortunate experience of earlier being in three collapsed tunnels. It was perhaps this experience and the fact that he had worked for more than two decades with tunnel-making companies, his wisdom & innate leadership skills that held the group together in such trying circumstances. He ensured that the 40 men who were trapped with him in the tunnel remained calm during the entire period of the mishap.

Over the 400 hours the men spent in the tunnel, Mr. Negi taught his colleagues yoga and meditation, ensured they stayed physically and mentally active and underlined his commitment to their safety by telling them he would be the last to be rescued. He stuck to his words and was the last one to walk out at 8.30 PM last evening as he had promised his colleagues in the tunnel.

Mr. Jaymal Singh Negi, the elder brother of Mr. Gabbar Singh Negi was all praise for his brother and his tenacity & commitment. The family, including his son Akash and Mrs. Negi, are naturally elated. Mr. Negi had repeatedly told his family that he was not alone in the tunnel and that he was also responsible for the well-being and safety of others who were stuck with him. During their conversations in captivity, the family could sense that Mr. Negi was far more worried about others than his safety.

Dr. Prem Pokhriyal who was entrusted with the overall responsibility of the healthcare of the 41 men was all praise for Mr. Negi. He said that it was Mr. Negi’s courage and character which did not let the others crumble in the face of this tragedy. The doctor said further that with a mindset like that, any grim situation can finally be handled.

I hope that you will join me wholeheartedly in applauding the inspiring and motivating story of Mr. Gabbar Singh Negi. May he and others of his ilk continue to inspire many others like us. God bless and best wishes to Mr. Negi, the 40 other men who are out in the open, their friends and their families!

The writer is a prominent social worker