Bhopaldiaries

  After arriving in this city as a first timer on 30 th November, joining my new job at the University on 1 st December, and setting my home up on the 2 nd , attending the rally of Bhopal gas tragedy victims on 3 rd December 2023, 39 th anniversary of the dreaded night, was a normal inclination to get the feel of the place.   The purpose of this visit was also like earlier similar exposure, where I would observe a lot and briefly interact to learn about the event and its aftermath. However, I ended up becoming a participant - insignificant part of 100+ people on their foot walking with a purpose - throughout the duration of the rally to the Union Carbide factory. That was a first-of-its-kind experience for me.   I observed a lady in her forties all by herself, searching for some used thread near the footpath to hang a banner at the spot from where the rally would begin. Rooted, witty, energetic, warm, and forthcoming, she intuitively identified me as someone from ...