INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR INNOVATIVE RESEARCH IN MULTIDISCIPLINARY FIELD

Abstract:   The Singareni Coal Mines in Telangana have played a pivotal role in shaping the social, economic, and cultural lives of the local communities. Historically, these mines offered a refuge for poor agricultural labourers and marginalised sections of society, enabling them to live with dignity and self-respect. Over time, however, exploitation took various forms as corporate and governmental interests prioritised profit over workers’ welfare. The Singareni Workers Forum (SWF), inspired by the broader peasants’ struggles, emerged as a beacon of resistance, asserting the rights of labourers through organized strikes, protests, and collective action. Landmark movements, such as the 56-day strike against the “Mustarla Kotha Chattam” and campaigns for the 5th wage bond and dependent rights, exemplify the courage, unity, and sacrifices of the workers and their families. The literary reflections of these struggles, especially in the collection “Samme” (2009), portray the multifaceted lives of the Singareni workers, including their challenges with health, education, housing, and social inequalities. The stories highlight the critical roles played by women and children, who actively contributed to the socio-revolutionary movements, often risking their lives and well-being. Through these narratives, the lives of Singareni workers are documented not merely as labourers but as catalysts of social change, embodying resilience, solidarity, and a relentless pursuit of justice. This study underscores the intersection of labour, family, and community in the Telangana coal mining context, revealing the human dimension behind industrial labour and its reflection in regional literature.