The Promise

How a ‘quirky’ Australian barrister, scientist and engineer was instrumental in the rescue of forty-one trapped workers in an Indian tunnel collapse, and how he inspired the world to believe that with determination and a sense of purpose, anything is possible.

The name ‘Arnold Dix’ used to mean nothing to most people, given his professional life has existed largely in the shadows. But this changed in November 2023, when his life was upended by a catastrophic event on the other side of the world. When a call came asking for help, Arnold felt it was meant to be.

Arnold recounts the rescue that made him a hero across the globe. He highlights the extraordinary challenges he faced, culminating in his promise that ‘Forty-one men are coming home alive’. For many Hindus, there is a strong belief that the gods chose Arnold to fulfil his promise.

But there’s so much more to Arnold Dix. His obsession with learning led him to become a barrister, engineer, welder, flower farmer, truck driver and even a hairdresser.

His compassion also saw him assist thousands of migrant workers living in Qatar. From surviving politically motivated assassination attempts in Albania to working in tunnels beneath Ground Zero after 9/11, Arnold’s story is one of unwavering courage. With themes of adventure, sacrifice, and selflessness, his story delves into the heart of what it means to challenge the status quo to achieve the impossible.