| Dorrine Marshall |
It is time that the corporations stop destroying people, land, and the
planet. It is time for accountability. Sometimes it is easy to begin to
feel powerless and hopeless. Being with the people of Bhopal gives me hope.
I want them to also know they are not alone. Regardless of our unelected
so-called leader the people here care what happens to the people of Bhopal.
|
| |
| Dorrine Marshall |
It is time that the corporations stop destroying people, land, and the
planet. It is time for accountability. Sometimes it is easy to begin to
feel powerless and hopeless. Being with the people of Bhopal gives me hope.
I want them to also know they are not alone. Regardless of our unelected
so-called leader the people here care what happens to the people of Bhopal.
|
| |
| Dorrine Marshall |
It is time that the corporations stop destroying people, land, and the
planet. It is time for accountability. Sometimes it is easy to begin to
feel powerless and hopeless. Being with the people of Bhopal gives me hope.
I want them to also know they are not alone. Regardless of our unelected
so-called leader the people here care what happens to the people of Bhopal.
|
| |
| Eduardo Sousa |
When I was doing undergraduate studies in the mid-1990s I read with great
sadness an article in one of my courses about the horrible events that happened
in Bhopal. I had assumed that as time had gone on that there had been some
sort of justice, that aside from compensation that those criminally responsible
be brought to justice. From what I have just read in CorpWatch, this is
not the case. So I have joined the Relay Fast in Solidarity with those who
have fasted for this cause. It is nothing, compared to the suffering of
those who have lived this tragedy out and those who have died as a result.
As I write this I just happened to be listening to a song that incorporates
Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech, of "I have a Dream". As many know, King
was greatly inspired by Gandhi. A few days ago I was also listening to a
very powerful piece of music by American composer Philip Glass, from his
larger work, Satyagraha - essentially an opera about the life of Gandhi.
I can hear it in my head now. In addition, all the scandals of corporate
greed and corruption arising out of the United States , plus the incessant
drive to commodify life and its greatest of substances, water, have compelled
me to want to do something more substantial. So, a very powerful combination
of forces have led me to this moment, where I have made the decision to
undertake a 2-day fast in solidarity. I was born Catholic but have very
strong Tibetan Buddhist impulses. I believe in social justice, in the rights
of all beings to a good, healthy and free life. I believe in compassion
for all beings and BEING compassionate towards all sentient beings.
To those who have suffered with afflictions as a result of Bhopal, I pledge
to you to fast for 2 days during this campaign. It is not much, and perhaps
I can do so again later in August.
Biographical Information: I was born in Lisbon, Portugal but have spent
most of my life in Toronto, Canada. I work for the City of Toronto Parks
and Recreation on environmental projects, and I am involved in initiatives
to educate the public about the importance and sanctity of water. |
| |
| Munni Bai 37 |
Address: Jaiprakash Nagar In front of Union carbide factory
Seven out of nine persons in the family are gas exposed. I suffer from tuberculosis.
Others in the family are also not well. They complain of stomach ache and
they remain sick a lot. I received Rs 14,000 (US $ 291) and others got Rs
10,000 (US $ 208) per head. All got spent on paying for medical bills. |
| |
| Parvati Bai 55 |
Address: Jaiprakash Nagar In front of Union carbide factory
All six people in the family were gas exposed. Every one in my family is
sick and sickness has never left the house. I mortgaged my jewelry for Rs
20, 000 [US$ 416] to pay for medical treatment of my son. The maximum compensationreceived
was Rs 13,000 (US $ 270). No one has been punished for the crime till now.
What can I say? We received no help from the government, instead we have
been harassed for no fault of ours. |
| |
| Seema 20 |
Address Jaiprakash Nagar In front of Union carbide factory
All nine members in the family are survivors of the disaster. I was a child
of two at the time of the gas leak.I do not remember about that night but
as far as i remember I have always had burning sensation in my eyes and
have always been breathless. M y father died a year ago. We got Rs 25,000
(US $ 520) each as compensation. |
| |
| Hazra Bi 44 |
Address Jaiprakash Nagar In front of Union carbide factory
All seven members in the family gas-exposed. We could not open our eyes
for several days after the gas leak. One of my sons suffered from TB for
eight years. Another son was in coma for three months after the disaster.
Maximum compensation we got was Rs 55,000 (US $ 1145) for one person. All
others got Rs 25,000 (US $ 520) per head. The money for compensation was
totally unfair. |
| |
| Sita Bai 40 |
Address: Jaiprakash Nagar In front of Union carbide factory
Four out of seven in the family exposed to Carbide's gases. I get panic
attacks and I cant seem to be able to do things right. After so many years
all of us in the family still suffer from burning sensation in the eyes
and diminished vision. Most compensation any one got was Rs 12,000 (US $
250). |
| |
| Raisa Bi 65 |
Address Jaiprakash Nagar In front of Union carbide factory
All five in my family are gas-exposed. My husband died of cancer in 1989.
I suffer from pain in the joints, diminished vision and breathlessness.
Received a compensation of Rs 13,000 (US $ 271) for each of the exposed
members. We spent way more money than we got as compensation. We had to
mortgage our dwelling to pay for medical bills.The government did not treat
us properly, instead, we were harassed. |
| |
| Rehana 32 |
Address Jaiprakash Nagar In front of Union carbide factory
Three out of seven people in the family are gas-exposed. My daughter was
one year old at the time of disaster. She had loose motions, stomach ache,
cough and was hospitalized. She now suffers from fatigue, panic attacks
and burning sensation in eyes. my husband has chest pain and pain the left
hand and fever, and he coughs a lot. I suffer from head ache and episodes
of vomiting. We got about Rs 15,000 (US $ 312) each and we had to pay the
lawyer who argued our case Rs. 10, 000 [208 US $] |
| |
| Kunti Bai 45 |
Jaiprakash Nagar Infront of Union carbide factory
All four persons in my family are gas exposed. My husband died of cancer
10 years ago. I suffer from breathlessness, loss of vision and panic attacks.
My children also have the same problems. Maximum compensation we got was
Rs 14,000 (US $ 291). |
| |
| Afroz Bi 40 |
| We moved in to Jaiprakash Nagar 8 years back from a community in the neighbourhood.
Four out of seven in my family are gas exposed. One son died immediately
after the disaster. Husband is diabetic and suffers from panic attacks and
breathlessness. I have a problem of high blood pressure. I was paid a compensation
of Rs 100,000 (US $ 4800) for the dead son. For others, we got Rs 25,000
(US $ 520) each. All the money received was spent on medical treatment.
Why should we not ask for the balance of compensations funds, it is our
right isn't it ? |
| |
| Radha Bai |
Address :Jaiprakash Nagar in front of Union Carbide factory
Seven out of eight family members are gas-affected. I suffer from burning
sensation in the chest, loss of eye sight and stomach ache. others in my
family also have these problems. The most compensation any one in my family
got was Rupees 13,000 (US $ 270). The company that owned of the factory
must take responsibility for the disaster. The compensation we got was too
little and all of it is spent on paying for medical treatment. We get little
support from the government and what we got we got with great difficulty.
|
| |
| Krishna Bai 35 |
Address: Jaiprakash Nagar in front of Union Carbide factory
Three out of five family members exposed. My daughter has been complaining
of stomach ache for a long time.My husband complains of burning sensation
in eyes and breathlessness. We got compensation between Rs 11,000 (US $
229) and 14,000 (US $ 291). Anderson and Union Carbide are responsible for
this disaster that is going on. |
| |
| Leela Bai 70 |
Address: Jaiprakash Nagar in front of Union Carbide factory
10 out of 14 family members affected. My husband who worked as a labor contractor
with the Union Carbide factory died of tuberculosis 8 years ago. Till today
my sons, daughters and their children complain of breathlessness and suffer
from panic attacks. I had to have an operation to have a tumor removed.
The maximum we received as compensation was Rupees15000/-[312 US $] per
head. Why should money for decontamination of soil and water come from our
shareof compensation? We are treated like human beings in the government
offices. |
| |
| Anjum Bi 27 |
Address: Jaiprakash Nagar in front of Union Carbide factory
13 out of 15 family members affected. Every one in the family suffers from
breathlessness and pain in the chest. Each one of us received Rupees 15000
/-(312 US $) as compensation. The entire amount we received as compensation
has been used up in paying medical bills. |
| |
| Inder Bai 60 |
earns about Rs 20/ per day.
Address :Jaiprakash Nagar in front of Union Carbide factory
All nine family members affected by exposure. Did not receive any compensation
for injury caused to three daughters. For others, she received Rs 25000/
each. (US $ 520/) If the management was alert, the disaster would not have
happened. We spent a lot of money for medical treatment. We should be properly
compensated. |
| |
| Laxmi Bai 40 |
Address :Jaiprakash Nagar in front of Union Carbide factory
Of six members in the family five are gas-affected. All of us have burning
sensation in the eyes all the time. Each one of us received Rs 25,000/ (US
$ 520/) as compensation. 18 years have gone by and we are still waiting
for government assistance. |
| |
| Sampat Bai 60 |
Address :Jaiprakash Nagar in front of Union Carbide factory
All thirteen members in the family gas affected. Four of my grandsons died
in the disaster. My husband has been badly ill. He coughs a lot and has
vomiting spells. He got a paralytic attack some time back. No one in our
family got more than Rupees 14,000* (US $ 292) as compensation. Even though
we worked in the factory, we did not know what was being manufactured there.
Our worst enemies wont do what the government has done to us. |
| |
| Pushpa Bai 30 |
Address :Jaiprakash Nagar in front of Union Carbide factory.
All nine family members gas-affected. Every one in my family suffers from
persistent irritation in eyes, respiratory problems and stomach ache. My
vision is badly affected and I have stomach ache and pain along with burning
sensation in chest. We got Rupees 25000/- [520 US$]each for my husband and
myself. If the company had not set up the factory so close to where people
live we would not have suffered. We had to take loan at very high interest
to pay for our medical treatment. |
| |
| Leela Bai 80 |
Address: Jaiprakash Nagar in front of Union Carbide factory
All six family members gas-affected. Most of the people in my family suffer
from breathlessness and spells of vomiting. One of my sons has completely
lost his eye sight. No one in my family received more than Rupees 10000/*-[208
US$] as compensation. "Settling down near the factory is the worst decision
we made in our lives. The money which wereceived as compensation got over
as soon as it came to our hands. More money would help us in getting better
medical care. " |
| |
| Radha Bai 70 |
Address :Jaiprakash Nagar in front of Union Carbide factory
12 out of 14 family members are gas-affected. My husband was badly exposed.
Three months after the gas leak he went to draw water one day and he must
have been dizzy and he fell in to the well. There was nobody around so he
drowned and died. One of my sons can hardly see. I suffer a lot from pain
in chest and breathlessness and my eye sight is all but gone. Most compensation
any one received in our family was Rupees 15, 000* [US $ 312]. I have no
one to blame for my suffering. Maybe this was the fate I was born with and
all I can blame is my destiny. |
| |
| Lakshmi Bai 50 |
Address : Jaiprakash Nagar in front of Union Carbide factory
All eight members of the family gas-affected. My eldest daughter is unable
to walk properly, sons can not do jobs needing physical labour as they get
tired and breathless soon. Husband too suffers from breathlessness his vision
is worsening. I have problem digesting food I eat and I have a cough that
does not go. Six of us in the family got Rs.12000/*-[250 US$] per head as
compensation. Two of my sons didn't get any compensation. We are in debt
because of the disaster and certainly in need of more money as compensation.
|
| |
| Kastoori Bai 50 |
Address :Jaiprakash Nagar in front of Union Carbide factory
12 out of 13 family members gas-affected. Husband and children still complain
of pain and irritation in eyes, burningsensation in chest and can't work
or walk long. I myself feel fatigued all the time and can't see properly.
One of my daughters is unable to conceive. The maximum amount which we received
as compensation was Rupees 19000/*-[395 US$] for one of my sons but every
one else got no more than 15000/*-[312 US$]. Once I went to work insidethe
factory as a casual laborer and I smelled something very noxious inside.
Thats when I began suspecting that there was some thing not quite right
with factory. What we got as compensation is not enough to pay medical bills.
|
| |
| Kaushalya Bai |
Address: Jaiprakash nagar (in front of UCC factory).
All seven family members affected. Husband died 7 years ago herself suffers
from pain in eye and diminished vision. Received Rupees 30000/-[625 US $]
for her husband while she and her sons got less than Rupees 15000/-[312]
per head individually. May the curse of god fall upon Anderson/UCC. |
| |
| Mrs Quresha Bi 60 |
Address:Jaiprakash nagar,(in front of UCC factory).
Eleven family members affected. Husband died one and half year ago because
of cancer, the elder son who was a worker in UCC factory bled incessantly
from the nose at the time of disaster and the younger one who has a family
of six is unable to work regularly due to breathlessness. i suffer from
breathing problems. I got no compensation for my dead husband though so
many gas victims are getting cancer now. we received Rupees 15000/-[312
US $] individually after deduction. Anderson/UCC need to be nabbed for the
disaster. |
| |
| Mrs Prem Bai 70 |
Address: Jaiprakash nagar (in front of UCC factory).
All five family members affected. Husband died 6 years ago.i had an unsuccessful
eye surgery but and am almost blind now. Sons and daughters too are suffering
from different health problems. Whatever amount we got as compensation every
paisa [cent] of it went for paying medical bills. Had we known that the
factory was so dangerous we wouldn't have settled here. |
| |
| Shakila Bi 65 |
Address: Jaiprakash nagar (in front of UCC factory).
Six family members affected my husband still requires regular treatment.eldest
son says he never gets respite from headache. his wife died due to tuberculosis.
i myself am out of breath while walking or working and also suffer from
stomach ache. Compensation we received in our family is Rupees 12000/-[250US
$] per head. The company that owned this factory could have averted the
disaster. even if we had got Rupees 500,000/-[10416 US $] as compensation
that would have been insufficient. My house is mortgaged and we have spent
so much money on treatment that we haven't been able to pay back the debts.instead
of providing relief the government has heaped injustice on us. |
| |
| Mrs. Raj Bai 90 |
Address:Jaiprakash Nagar,(in front of UCC factory).
Number of family members affected:7 On the night of the disaster I ran with
my sons and grand daughters toward the cremation grounds as there was no
place to run. i lost my 40 year old daughter in the tragedy. Received a
maximum of Rupees 24000/-[500 US$] per head as compensation. Even before
the gas leak, almost every day there was some emission or other from the
factory. our eyes would burn but we never guessed that such dangerous chemicals
were there. |
| |
| Mrs. Bhagwati Bai 50 |
Address in 1984: Jaiprakash nagar,(in front of UCC factory).
All 18 in my family are victims of union carbide. my husband has fainting
spells, his stomach gets bloated and he is often breathless. my daughter
is not able to have a baby. i got tuberculosis some time back. The most
compensation we received was Rupees 12000/-[250 US $] after deduction per
person. Had we known that anything of this sort would occur we would not
have decided to live here. |
| |
| Mrs. Geeta Bai 45 |
Address in 1984: Jaiprakash nagar,(in front of UCC factory).
all eight in the family gas affected. my husband is unable to do anything
to make a living, he is always so breathless. One of my daughters died on
the morning of the disaster.Another daughter always complains of stomach
ache.i am partly blind and suffer from panic attacks. as compensation for
injuries we got about Rupees 10000/- [208 US$] per head after deduction.
We have had to borrow a lot of money to pay for medical treatment. the government
does not care for our suffering. |
| |
| Mrs. Ram Kali 60 |
Address: Jaiprakash nagar,(in front of UCC factory)
All four family members gas affected. my husband died on the night of disaster,
son died after long illness 2 years ago. i dont see or hear properly and
find it difficult to move around. The most compensation any body in my family
received is Rupees 13000/-[270 US$] after deduction by the government. Those
who put up this factory never thought that what would happen if anything
went wrong.what we received as compensation was never adequate but who do
we tell.i think the government is more the problem than the solution. |
| |
| Mrs. Poona Bai 40 |
Address In 1984: Jaiprakash Nagar, (in front of UCC factory)
All five family members are gas affected. Maximum amount we got as compensation
is Rupees 25000/-[520 US$] but then the government deducted almost half
of this. |
| |
| Mrs. Rano Bai 60 |
Address: Hno.206, gali no. 8,J.P Nagar (infront of UCC factory)
All seven family members gas affected my daughter-in-law had a miscarriage
on the night of the disaster and my daughter escaped death narrowly.my husband
complains of breathlessness and suffers from diabetes and my sons complain
of persistent chest pain.
We got Rupees 25000/- [520 US $] compensation per head. Even before the
disaster, there were foul emissions from the factory every other day.we
were never told what what it was. even many of the workers did not know
that this was a killer factory.at the govt. hospitals we were treated like
beggars and we no longer go there for getting treatment. |
| |
| Mrs. Ram Pyari Bai 70 |
Address in 1984: Jaiprakash Nagar (in front of UCC factory).
17 out of 18 family members gas affected. my husband died because of his
exposure to carbide's poisons.two of my grand daughters also died the same
night.Till today my sons complain of breathlessness. my son babulal has
persistent cough.when we went for the Delhi protest last month he was quite
ill.my vision is quite affected and one eye is completely damaged. surgery
didnt help. I got no compensation for my dead husband though i and my sons
got Rs.25000/- each. I think Anderson and union carbide are most responsible
for the disaster and they should not be spared.we have nothing left from
the small compensation we got. the balance of the settlement fundmust come
to the victims. the government doesnt bother to notice whether we are alive
or dead. |
| |
| Mrs. Kesar Bai 60 |
Address in 1984: Jaiprakash Nagar.
All 9 family members gas-affected. Husband, a worker in the Union Carbide
factory died at the time of disaster. Her eldest daughter also died due
to exposure. She complains of loss of eyesight, persistent pain in stomach
and breathlessness. |
| |
| Mrs. Shyama Bai 70 |
Address in 1984: Jaiprakash Nagar.
All nine members of the family exposed. Her husband died on the morning
of the disaster. Son died last year due to exposure induced diseases. Total
amount of money received was Rs. 1,25,000 for her family of nine members.
Amount received as compensation was inadequate and she maintains that no
amount of money could mitigate her miseries. |
| |
| Mrs. Kamla Bai 50 |
Address in 1984: In front of UCC factory, Jaiprakash Nagar.
All 12 family members affected She and her husband suffer from diminished
eyesight and lack of appetite. She alsocomplains of dizziness. Maximum compensation
she & her family members received individually was Rs.15000/- [312US
$] |
| |
| Mrs. Kusum Bai Vishwakarma 32 |
Address in 1984: Jaiprakash Nagar.
All 12 family members exposed. She has had to have one of her kidneys removed.
Husband suffers from ulcer. Rest of the family members suffer from breathlessness
& diminished eyesight. Her father- in -law has a pacemaker in his heart.
Maximum compensation received was Rs 10000/- [208 US $] per head. Because
UCC never informed them about the hazards of the factory. she holds them
responsible. "We have spent more than five times of what we received as
compensation on medical treatment alone." |
| |
| Mrs. Rukmani Bai 35 |
Address in 1984: Jaiprakash Nagar.
All six family members injured by gas exposure. Father in law died four
years after gas leak. Her husband and brother-in-law are unable to work
because of breathlessness. Compensation- Got a maximum of Rs.10000/- [208
US $] per individual. They received no compensation for the death of her
father-in-law. |
| |
| Mrs. Shanti Bai 60 |
Address in 1984: Jaiprakash Nagar.
All six members affected. Her son and daughter-in-law died four years after
the disaster due to exposure related health problems. Received Rs.10000/-
[208 US $] per individual as compensation. Holds Anderson responsible for
the disaster and that the government has betrayed the gas victims. |
| |
| Mrs. Tulsa Bai 90 |
Address: In front of UCC factory, Jaiprakash nagar
Her husband was among the first ones to settle down in J.P Nagar. All five
family members affected by the exposure. Husband died in 1998 from lung
disorder. Tulsa bai herself has breathlessness, persistent cough, episodes
of fever and pain. She has been so weak for last few months that she can't
walk to the clinic. Her son Pratap, aged 40 is blind and unable to work.
Her family and she got a maximum of Rupees 14000/- [292 US $]per head.
"Nothing is left with victims, either they must get adequate compensation
or die fighting for it." |
| |
| Mrs. Rani Vishwakarma 29 |
Address in 1984: Jaiprakash Nagar (in front of U.C.C factory).
All the 12 members in her family have been exposed. Her mother suffers from
breathlessness and hypertension. Her father is a heart patient and lives
on a pacemaker. One of her brothers is mentally ill. Rani was thrown out
of her in- laws' house because she can't work, she now lives with her parents.
Maximum compensation: Rs.10000/- [208 US $]for each "No one living near
the factory knew what was going on inside the factory." |
| |
| Mrs. Begum Bi 55 |
Address in 1984: Infront of UCC factory , Jaiprakash Nagar.
Four persons in the family, all gas affected. Her husband died within one
year due to exposure related problems. Her sons complain of pain in chest,
breathlessness. They are not able to do any manual work and are hence unemployed.
Begum herself suffers from the same problems and got one of her eyes operated
for cataract but it didn't work. Compensation received [after deductions]
by the family : about Rupees 14,000 [292 US $] per individual. She holds
Anderson responsible for the disaster and says that even the employees [let
alone the people in the neighbourhood] did not know what was being produced
in the factory. The balance of settlement fund should all go the victims
because most are too sick to earn a living and have no savings left. "Our
miseries are compounded because of government's callousness. |
| |
| Mrs. Sheila Devi 61 |
Nine family members gas affected. Husband died because of gas exposure
in 2000 after years of being paralyzed. All her seven daughters complain
of diminished vision and reproductive health problems. One of her daughters
Jyoti has a damaged kidneys. Sheila herself suffers from breathlessness,
high blood pressure and diminished vision. Compensation received [after
deductions] by the family : about Rupees 12,000 [250 US $] per individual.
She holds Warren Anderson and U.C.C. solely responsible for the disaster.
Quote: "The victims should get their due from the balance of settlement
funds because majority of the affected does not have the resources to sustain
itself.Our own government has betrayed us it is trying to protect Anderson
and U.C.C." |
| |
| Rakhal Gaitonde |
Dear Friend,
Yesterday I went on a fast. I started the fast after my morning coffee at
6:00 am, and ended it with some soup for dinner at 8:00 pm. I would like
to share with you the reasons that led me to undertake this fast.
The fact that there is a tremendous amount of injustice in the world is
obvious. Inequity, violence, greed, suppression, exploitation seem to be
the moral values of today's world. I have watched and read about dastardly
acts throughout my life. I have seen the poor, the displaced, the exploited,
the sufferrers day in and day out. I have even occassionally even raised
my voice, written a poem, or gone on a protest march. However my life of
comfort and complacency have always caught up with me. And soon the people
i raised my voice for become a blur in the background.... and I continue
to lead my life that in many ways even contributes to their problems.
When I received the e-mail about the world wide fasts in solidarity for
the Bhopal gas victims, and read about the fast of Sathyu, Tara and Rasheeda
an especially the poems Rabid Optimist, and Torture me (enclosed). I realised
once again how far removed from the real world I was. I felt I needed to
do something... to show myself, more than anybody, else that I care, that
I am angry, that I am ashamed, that I am hurt, that I am frightened for
our future. I felt I needed to do something to show solidarity with the
people struggling day in and day out while I lead a blessedly normal life
(at their expense?).
The fast is surely symbolic, and definitely a drop in the ocean, but it
allows me to express my anger and protest by saying that by sister's and
brother's sufferring mean more to me than the food I eat, than the routine
I follow. Every time my stomach pains with hunger I, try and remind myself
of the pain my sisters and brothers are going through. Every time I feel
tired and giddy I remember the injustice and the violence done to my sisters
and brothers. Every time I explained to my incredulous colleagues why I
was fasting I highlighted the cause that my sisters and brothers were fighting
for. Yesterday I was able to sleep a little more comfortably. Yes I slept
in a comfortable bed, after a warm meal, with a roof over my h ead without
fear or uncertainity, much much more than many of my sisters and brothers
can even dream of.... but I had made my sacrifice, however small and insignificant
it may be, I remembered them, I felt for them throughout the day and hopefully
they will realise that there is one more person supporting their cause.
This fast is not an end in itself. I am planning to fast every Tuesday.
This will hopefully evolve into a more meaningful and effective form of
protest, but come what may I will continue to remind myself of my sister
and brother and fast in solidarity.
“The greatest tragedy of this generation which history will record is not
the vitriolic works of those who hate, or the aggressive acts of others,
but the appalling silence of the good people.” (Martin Luther King Jr.)
TORTURE ME
torture me.
aim a blowtorch at my eyes
pour acid down my throat
strip the tissue from my lungs.
drown me in my own blood.
choke my baby to death in front of me.
make me watch her struggles as she dies.
cripple my children.
let pain be their daily and their only playmate.
spare me nothing. wreck my health
so I can no longer feed my family.
watch us starve. say it's nothing to do with you.
don’t ever say sorry.
poison our water. cause monsters
to be born among us. make us curse God.
stunt our living children’s growth.
for seventeen years ignore our cries.
teach me that my rage is as useless as my tears.
prove to me beyond all doubt
that there is no justice in the world.
you are a wealthy american corporation
and I am a gas victim of bhopal.
In Solidarity
Rakhal Gaitonde |
| |
| Tomek Blazejewicz |
My name is Tomek Blazejewicz, a young adult living in Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada, and I wish to inform you of my intent to join the fast. I am a University
student and struggling actor here in Ottawa, Canada, age 19, who feels strongly
about the condition of life of many people around the world. I should mention
that as well as fasting (I intend to fast from when the clock strikes midnight,
begining July 26th, to when the clock stikes midnight, ending July 26th
and beginning July 27th), I am also eager to write a letter to the editor
of my local newspaper, encouraging other readers to get in on the campaign
(quite frankly, I'm shocked that more Canadians haven't already become involved).
The wealthy can only imagine the pain and anguish that these Indians have
felt, but I think that we can all, in some way or another, understand feeling
robbed. The people of Bhopal have been robbed immesurably, by not being
recompensated, and then almost forgotten. They are left asking how much
money one needs to get away with anything they want. But people around the
world extend our experiences and concern for the people of Bhopal, and will
bind together
. for justice.
Sincerely, |
| |
| Gopal Dayaneni |
Oil Campaign Coordinator
Project Underground supports communities resisting human rights abuses We
amplify the voices and magnify the visibility of communities demanding We
do this through corporate campaigning, non-violent direct action, popular
education and legal and technical support.
tel. 510.705.8981 (office)
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| Wendi Odai |
| As a new mother my heart aches when I think of the disreguard for human
life that is demonstrated by Dow Chemical and the Indian Government. What
kind of world does not feel compasion or seek justice for a mother with
poisoned breast milk who can't feed her baby or children growing up without
a chance to have a family of their own, never mind the 8,000 people who
died or 30 every month that still do as a result of this disaster. |
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| Sathyu Sarangi |
A RABID OPTIMIST
Yes I'm a rabid optimist
For me every tree that continues to stand
Every stream that continues to flow
Every child that runs away from home
Is an indication that the battle is not only on
It is being won
You may tell me about the nuclear arms race
And all I can tell you is that an unknown child held my hand with love
You will try to draw me
Into the plato of practical life
Tell me that not only god
But all the religious and irreligious leaders are dead
And I will tell you that across the forest lives a young man who calls the
earth his mother
You will give me the boring details
Of the rise of state power after every revolution
And I all I can tell you is that In our tribe we still share our bread.
You will reason with me and I will talk nonsense like this
And because the difference between breathing and living life
Is the difference between reason and poetry
I'll recite poems to you
Poems full of dreams
Poems full of optimism
And maybe a poem better than this
--Sathyu
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| Sheelu |
This is a message on behalf of the Women's Collective
We the Women's Collective members are with you, to fight for your rights
till you get Justice
We demand the Vajpayee Government to take responsibility and distribute
the relief to the Victims immediately
Do not give in for American pressure and crush the Bhopal Gas tragedy Victims
We demand Justice for the Bhopal Gas Victims
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| Justin Nichol |
| It outrages me that co-operations can cotnually exploit, hurt and poisen
people without being held accountable. The veil is so very thin, and I'd
like to be part of this. |
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| Dorrine Marshall |
It is time that the corporations stop destroying people, land, and the
planet. It is time for accountability. Sometimes it is easy to begin to
feel powerless and hopeless. Being with the people of Bhopal gives me hope.
I want them to also know they are not alone. Regardless of our unelected
so-called leader the people here care what happens to the people of Bhopal.
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| Valeria Guerrero |
| I am fasting as a statement of action. I fast for the healing of our planet
from our usage of harmful chemicals. I fast as an active complaint against
the exploitation of human beings by corporations. I fast to do my part in
the world community towards the betterment of our physical, spiritual, and
financial connections. I fast because I care and I can not ignore the fact
that I have to do something towards helping the world, one step at a time,
one day at a time. Thank You organizers for such a simple list of how I
can be active and an agent for positive change! With Love and Peace, Valeria
Guerrero valeriavaliente@yahoo.com. |
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| Leslie Buck |
| I am fasting in solidarity with the Indian people because I am an Earthling
and wish to help end injustice. |
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| Vithal Shirodkar |
| I am a volunteer of the Association for India's Development. I fasted
for 1 day on 12th Aug, 2002 to put pressure on the Indian government and
Dow chemicals. |
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| Babu Subramaniam |
| www.trsbabu.com |
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| Kanan |
| kanan_p@yahoo.co.uk |
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| Ramana Dhara MD, ScD, MPH |
| I am a member of the International Medical Commission on Bhopal |
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| Ramana Dhara MD, ScD, MPH |
| I am a member of the International Medical Commission on Bhopal |
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| Robin Gill |
| rbngill@teleline.es Motivations - horror at what is done in the name of
progress and what is not done in he name of indifference. |
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| Chandrika |
| I would like to join the hunger strike to show my solidarity for the just
demands of the victims of one of the worst tragedies in India. I will fast
on Aug 15th, Indian Independance day. |
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| Debi Kar |
| debikar@angelfire.com |
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| Debi Kar |
| debikar@angelfire.com |
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| Debi Kar |
| debikar@angelfire.com |
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| Debi Kar |
| debikar@angelfire.com |
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