On this day 65 years ago, Alija Sirotanović became a hero of labour

Alija Sirotanović, a hero of labour and the most diligent miner, played a key episode in his life on this day in 1949, when he broke the record for the amount of coal mined, which until July 24, 1949, was held by Soviet miner Aleksej Stahanov, writes the Patria News Agency.

On that day, he mined 152 tons of coal, surpassing the previous record by as much as 50 tons. Although just five days later, Alija's record was broken by Nikola Škobić, and later by many others, Alija entered history as the first miner to defeat Stahanov, and as such, he remained remembered as a synonym for work and perseverance.

The significance of this event was also reflected in the political situation of the time, or rather, the fierce conflict between Tito and the then leader of the Soviet Union, Stalin. Alija's victory was also Tito's victory, as well as the victory of Yugoslavia over the Soviet Union.

Alija's cousin Arif Sirotanocić says that today marks 65 years since his uncle became a national hero.

- He became a hero of labour in the world. Thank you, Alija, for being and remaining our idol. Only true and humble people can do that. Your greatness is reflected in your modest and noble soul. You were always cheerful, smiling, and content in life. It was wonderful to live in your time. You will live forever, because good deeds remain behind you that will never die – wrote Arif Sirotanović.