The continuing tragedy

 Bhopal Gas Tragedy Survivors Speak at Princeton University

On April 21st 2009, Princeton's Association for India's Development in collaboration with the International Campaign for Justice in Bhopal (www.bhopal.net) will be hosting two second-generation survivors of the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy. A public address by the survivors is planned to mark the 25th anniversary of the disaster.

At midnight on December 3, 1984, twenty-seven tons of lethal gases leaked from Union Carbide’s pesticide factory in Bhopal, India, immediately killing 8,000 people and poisoning thousands of others. Today, at least 150,000 people, including children born to parents who survived the disaster, are suffering from exposure-related health effects such as cancer, neurological damage and mental illness. Thousands of people are forced to drink water laced with alarmingly high levels of mercury, carbon tetrachloride and other persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals. 

Around the world human rights, legal, environmental health and other experts are demanding that Dow Chemical, the current owner of Union Carbide, be held accountable for this atrocity. To generate awareness for the 25th anniversary coming up on December 3, 2009, two teenage organizers from Bhopal, Sarita Malviya and Safreen Khan, will join long-time advocates Rachna Dingra and Aquene Freechild for a tour of the U.S. to meet with Congressional leaders, chemical security experts and student groups. 

The public talk to be held at the Princeton University is being chaired by Prof. Zia Mian, Research Scientist, Program on Science and Global Security, Woodrow Wilson School of Public & International Affairs, and is expected to draw participation from a large number of Princeton University students, Princeton area social groups, and the general public.

Co-sponsors: This event is co-sponsored by Davis International Center, Program in South Asia Studies, SEAS, Vice President for Campus life Office, Graduate Students Government Events Board.

EVENT: Bhopal gas tragedy 2nd generation survivors to address Princeton University Students and the general public 

WHEN: 7 p.m, Tuesday, April 21st 2009 

VENUE: Bowl 1, Woodrow Wilson Hall, in the Robertson building (at the intersection of Prospect Avenue and Washington road), Princeton NJ-08540