The Newz Radar
MANDI: Vishal Kumar, a youth from Balh in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district who was successfully rescued after a challenging 17-day ordeal in Uttarakhand’s Silkyara tunnel, is angry at the state government as he says that no minister came to enquire about his well-being neither anyone visited his house to meet his family members.
“Despite nationwide prayers for the rescue of the workers trapped in the tunnel, no Himachal minister enquired about our well-being. The 17 days we spent in the tunnel were arduous. The collective prayers of the nation and the dedicated efforts of rescue teams ultimately led to a safe exit for everyone,” he said.
Vishal intends to seek employment locally but if unsuccessful, he says he might have to reluctantly return to the tunnel again.
Vishal’s grandmother adamantly declared her refusal to allow her grandson to undertake such work again. Similarly, his parents were unwilling to expose Vishal to such risks once more. The grandmother attributed Vishal’s survival in the tunnel for 17 days to divine mercy. After his triumphant return home to Dahanu village in the Balh area of Mandi district, Vishal, accompanied by his father, was warmly welcomed by numerous relatives, villagers, and family members with vibrant celebrations, including bands and flower garlands.
Urmila, Vishal’s mother, performed an ‘aarti’ (ritualistic prayer) for her son and embraced him, tears of joy streaming down her face. The grandmother and aunt garlanded and embraced Vishal, expressing their overwhelming relief.
Balh MLA Inder Singh Gandhi and local dignitaries joined in the jubilation, commending Vishal’s bravery. The local community congregated at Vishal’s home, expressing gratitude to God and congratulating him on his safe return. Vishal’s father Dharam Singh shared that following a hospital administration investigation, he was discharged on Thursday. He expressed gratitude to both the Uttarakhand and Central governments for rescuing all 41 workers.
The Uttarakhand government facilitated Vishal’s journey home by arranging a special car to Paonta Sahib border. From there, the Mandi district administration arranged a taxi to ferry Vishal to his residence.
