♦ Coal Miners’ Day is observed every year in India on May 4 to recognise the sacrifices and hard work of the coal miners.

♦ The purpose of this day is to express gratitude for their commitment and hard labour.

♦ In 1774, John Summer and Suetonius Grant Heatly established India’s first coal mine.

♦ It was in the Raniganj Coalfield, beside the Damodar River.

♦ The demand for coal increased following India’s independence in 1949, and the government created plans in order to obtain additional coal for energy.