The Years just keep passing on

Today is 2nd December, and it was on this day 22 years ago, that a fate of a city was changed for generations. Even today, Bhopal is fighting a losing cause, and i cannot ignore or forget the fact that the scars will linger on. 22 years have passed ever since the Worst Corporate Disaster of the 20th Century took place in Bhopal. The Bhopal Gas tragedy is an example of how the common man is powerless before the strength of the multinational companies and the government. It is also an indication of how the law can be a weapon only in the hands of the Powerful.

Yeaterday, on Vividh Bharati Bhopal, i was listening to the broadcast of how the compensation part of the Gas Tragedy has been settled. Over 5 and a half Lakh people have been provided compensation from the 10 lakh or so affected in the tragedy. But, there is no attempt on part of the government to give justice and to punish those responsible for such an irresponsible act. This event is an exception of how flawed criminal justice system is in India.

The Media is only concerned with the happenings of the Jessica Lall Murder case or the Nitish Katara Murder case, since they are all high profile victims. Some News channels organized a campaign titled "Justice for Jessica" durring the entire process. Debates were organized, and whole sections of the population took out protests demanding the accused be punished. The recent verdicts in the cases have been hailed as a victory by the media and that the people are starting to believe in the judicial system of India. But, why isnt the Media so Vigilant and Pro-Active in the Bhopal Gas case? Is it because it is buried in the annals of Time? Is it because the Media are plainly not interested?

The Media in India is undergoing a communication revolution, with Private News Channels cropping up in both English and Hindi. So, they have opened up possibilities where-in no story is left unturned. Even as i write this, there can be a guarantee that no media coverage of the Gas tragedy along the lines of Jessica Lall or Nitish Katara would have been possible.

The Perpetrators of the Bhopal Gas tragedy are now leading a Scott- Free life at the cost of millions. The main accused at the time, CEO of Dow Chemicals, Warren Anderson, is enjoying his old age in some part of the United States. The government's inability to do something for the Gas victims is indeed deplorable. This case in the near future might never be covered with vigour, because it does not satisfy the advertisers and other Mulitnational companies, who may hold a stake in the media.

The Worst Disaster in Corporate History of the 21st century is being neglected in front of our own eyes, yet we do nothing about it. Many people whom i interacted did not even know that today is the day when the disaster happened. Public Memory is fading, Media does not even care, the only people who seem to care and wan to know about the Gas tragedy refer to exhibitions by renowned photographer Raghu Rai. But, inspite of all that, we will all come to know about the trivial aspects which plague society. Gossip about stars, politicians, their inabilities and Crime will be forever etched in the minds of today's people, but something like the Bhopal Gas tragedy will never be remembered.

It is perhaps because of this indifference that it rained heavily in Bhopal today. The symbol of the gloom that is in the city on this day, and furthur enhanced by the ignorance of the general public in India. Now, it is we ordinary people who weep for Bhopal and demand justice for the people. But, we all have to face a mountain of indifference and ignorance. It is going to be like this always from now on, it will always be like this.