eckerman.nu

07-Jun-10 Finally - verdict in Bhopal! Today, after 25 years, the verdict on the Bhopal case fell. "The Union Carbide subsidiary's former employees, all Indian nationals and many in their 70s, were sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to pay fines of 100,000 rupees ($2,175) apiece. All were released on bail shortly after the verdict" (Yahoo News). They were eight, one of them already deceased. I was contacted by Times of India and Göteborgsposten. What could I say? Well, is it not a little miracle that a verdict finally fell - after 25 years? Of course, the court could have done more or at least quicker. The punishments were small - that could also be expected. I suppose the laws from 1984 have been used. At that time, the laws on environment and work environment were weak all over the world. The Bhopal disaster was the start of new laws. Today, according to Swedish work environmental laws, Warren Andersson would have been punished. But Indian laws in 1984? I do not know. The laws and regulations are still not enough, nowhere in the world. Just see what is happening in the Mexican Gulf. Big and small Bhopals are happening every day - or at least every year. Chemical industry is "developing" specially in the so called "rising economies" in Asia and South America - where the laws often are weak, corruption is common and the power of multinational companies is growing. Chemicals are now invading every living cell on the whole earth. No living organism can avoid them. We have no idea of what this will lead to. Mainly, they are based on oil. When the price of oil increases (which it will, it is only a question of time), the price of chemicals will also rise. Maybe that will save the life on earth. 20.42 [kommentar] 02-Apr-10 Stopped at emigration desk! The problems however seem not to be over. When I came to the emigration desk at the international airport in Delhi, I was again stopped! The officer took my passport, discussed with an older officer and then run away without telling me why. I again leaned forward to read at the screen. This time it said "should be prevented from entrance if not .. governmental stamp ..". It seems not as hard as last time when it said "banned from all entries ..". But I suppose I will have talk to the Ambassador and Mrs Madhumita again ... 18.21 [kommentar] Planned marriage avoided? I spent every evening with my family. As they now have moved, I go around to the different houses - a good feeling. I visited the school and heard about the children's work. I had serious talks with Fairy's parents, grandfather and uncle, and it seems like they understand that it was a mistake to plan her marriage. So I hope that she as well as the boy will get new chances. We went over one day only (two night rides in car) to Khkota in southeast Rajastan. Fairy's aunt, i believe not yet 50 years, had got a stroke or heart attack and been revived. After a long time at hospital, she had been taken home. Her daughter, my "niece", toghether with the children had moved back to home to take care of her mother. The women reacted, but it was impossible to understand how much she understood. As I understand, she was extremely well taken care of. Not a single sign of decubitus. But - it is the same tragedy in Khota as here. How long will she survive like this? Should infections be treated? This is something that affects the whole family, including the small cousins left back in Bhopal without their playmates. 16.09 [kommentar] Back in Bhopal Back in Bhopal, I again settled down at Sambhavna trust and read the reports on pollution of groundwater. I was first very happy to find one from the Gandhi Medical College. But when I read it, I was disappointed. So it is the reports from outside, showing different toxic agencies in the groundwater, that seem most reliable. Of course, higher rade of mortality and maybe disabled children would be expected. But so far, there is no evidence that it is higher here than in other poor areas. There was a funktion at the Chingari trust, where disableded and mentally retarded children are treated. A group of children were rewarded because they had been there every day and worked hard. I was invited to sit together with the MP officials on a podium, with an audience of proud mothers and sibling. I made a speech on how to avoid disabilities - the best food to the girls and young women, immunizations, schooling and not marrying relatives. Again I played my violin, and again the "Sun, sun, sun" was very popular - everyone clapped their hands and sung. 15.52 [kommentar] Conference in Bangalore Before I had got acclimatized, I went to Bangalore, where I had an invitation for the 5th International Conference on Children, Health and Environment. I had two presentations: "The Bhopal Gas Disaster 1984 – Children’s Acute and Chronic Exposure to Toxic Substances" and "Pharmaceuticals, Environment and Children’s Health – what do we know today?". The programme was very interesting with a wide area of topics. The participitants came from all over the world. I ended my visit to Bangalore by meeting the Swedish Ambassador and other officials at a seminar. They visited India to talk about cooperation in health care. Of course, the production of pharmaceuticals was included. 15.50 [kommentar] 30-Jan-10 Back in India! I am actually back! I just passed the passport control like anyone else - very quickly indeed. Then I started to cry, because I was so relieved. Not until then did I understand under which tension I had been. It was not better because of the delay of nearly 40 hours - snow in Istanbul and sandstorms in Irak. I missed the Republic Day, for which I am very sorry. I am very much enjoying the weather - just right for me. Not too hot during daytime, you need a sweater in the evening. Like a good Swedish summer ... I have met my family, have had several talks about serious matters with many of them. But much is left to talk about and decide. They trust me like a mother - at least my "daughters". At Sambhavna, I have started to read some new reports about pollution and health. I am now preparing the presentations for next week's conference in Bangalore (Bengaluru is the new name) on children's health and environment. This morning I went around among all the patients waiting, playing the violin. They appreciate that much - specially when I play the only old Indian tune I know, "Sun sun sun ...". 12.22 [kommentar] 22-Jan-10 I have got my visa! Yesterday, finally, I could fetch my visa. It is a conference visa, valid for four weeks. I am very happy, although not completely sure that I will be admitted to India. Mrs Madhumita told me that they have called the Home Ministry, and they are looking into the issue, although they have not answered. I have requested for a letter of recommendation from the Ambassador, but that is not possible. I myself have sent letters to the Home Ministry, nearly every day, with all invitations and letters of recommendations included. Today I also sent a copy of my visa. They must also be very tired of me ... So, on Monday 25th I leave, and on Tuesday 26th, the Republic Day, at 4 AM, I land in Delhi. What will happen then? Will the red text "Banned from all entries to India" still be there? If so - how will the passport police act? 00.28 [kommentar] 12-Jan-10 Talk to Mrs Madhumita Today I reached Mrs Madhumita who is back from her vacation. They have not received any answer from Home Ministry yet. When I asked about her advise what to do, she said they can send a reminder. I sent the first letter to the ambassador at December 2 - and nothing has happened ... I have also been told that "everyone" has read my letter. I don't know if that includes the ambassador. I don't know if that includes the last letter, where I asked for a letter of recommendation to the passport police. Today I have sent an e-mail to Home Minister, with all invitations and recommendations attached. I asked him to lift the ban ... 22.56 [kommentar] 09-Jan-10 Is the visa enough? Last week, I visited the Indian Embassy. The higher officials had not come back yet since their Christmas vacation in India. So I still do not know whether they have found out or not concerning my "ban from all entries to India". But it seems that I will get the visa - only on Jan 20th, because it is a conference visa. I will probably leave on 25th, as my ticket, and arrive in Delhi early morning 26th, the Republic Day. That is the day when all official authorities will be closed except the police station, the day when there will be big parades in Delhi, and the day when there is a fear for terrorist attacks. I don't know whether this will increase or decrease my possibilities to enter India. It will be up to the passport police ... 10.04 [kommentar] 09-Dec-09 Finally - an explanation! Today I talked to Mrs Madhumita at the Indian Embassy. I am again applying for a visa, this time for a conference on children and environment in Bangalore as well as visiting Bhopal. Today she told me the reason why I was never given visa in September 2008. I had earlier got a tourist visa, but used it for political activities. This is the truth: I went to Bhopal in February to see "my family" and to arrange a Swedish visa for Fairy, then 14. Not until I arrived, I realised that a march to Delhi was planned, and they would start when I was there. It was natural to me to show my support by walking the first few kilometres with them. In May I came back to get Fairy for her 5 weeks visits here in Sweden. I realised that the group was still in Delhi. As our hotel was just nearby, it was natural to visit the group, say hullo, and take some photoes. That was all I did. In 2004, at the 20th anniversary, I took part in rallies, I had press conferences, was on the first page of a big newspaper etc - and I was not stopped. At the 10th anniversary, it was the same. I just could not fancy that these small actions in 2008 should result in me being banned from visits to India! 23.18 [kommentar] 20-Nov-09 Farewell to my Indian friends Tuesday morning they left. It was marvellous to see them here, to show them a little bit of my world. We had an informal dinner here on Sunday - we cooked Indian food, that they have longed for. On Monday I listened to the seminar, which was interesting. Dinner and breakfast together - then good bye. I wish they could have stayed longer, that we would have had more time together. 00.51 [kommentar] 11-Nov-09 Bhopal bus comes to Sweden On Sunday, the Bhopal Bus is arriving at Stockholm. This is something arranged by Amnesty International. Read more at http://www.amnesty.se/2009/11/04/bhopal_bus_tour/ or www.bhopalbus.com. I got to know about the tour only a month ago, from Becky, one of the English drivers. As the people of the bus are my friends, of course I welcome them. My co-house Sockenstugan (www.sockenstugankollektiv.nu) has invited the Indian guests to stay in our guestrooms, and on Sunday, we will have an informal party. I am also going to listen to them at the Human Right-days - I have already registered. Today, I will have a small presentation for my neighbours here in the house and show pictures from Bhopal, Sambhavna and "my" family. 18.02 [kommentar] 10-Nov-09 Meeting the Ambassador Some weeks ago, I met the Ambassador himself at a Diwali celebration. He is a very charming and kind man. When he heard what had happened, he said he would find out about "banned from all visits to India". I am invited to a conference on children and environment in Bangalore (http://incheshpfindia.org), and he promised to give me visa. So now I am collecting all papers I need. 22.48 [kommentar] 27-Sep-09 No answer from the Ambassador I have sent two mails to the Ambassador, asking what my chances to get a visa are, and what I can do to increase them. No answer. Nor do my Indian friends and connections bother to comment this. Is it not a shame that the world's largest democracy and a rising world economy is afraid of an old Swedish female doctor? What can I do to hurt India? So far, I have not told my Bhopal family about the ban. They still hope I will come in February. 11.55 [kommentar] 04-Jun-09 Home again Today, I arrived at home, feeling confused as usual - here is silent, clean, cold, empty. I spent a lot of time with my family. They needed that. The balance between different parties of the family has been totally changed since my "sister" passed away. I will not write any details here. Also my "granddaughter" Fairy needed me. The family in which she is supposed to marry seems kind, they are distant relatives, and they like her. But they are not at the intellectual level that she is already and will become if she goes to university. I am very sorry that this is already decided. Other things I did was to visit the Chingari trust, working with handicapped children from the gasaffected and polluted areas in Bhopal. I tried to give as good advises as I could - I am not an expertise in this field. The heat was terrible. I hope I will never have to go to India this time of the year. If it was under 40 centigrades, the air was very humid, so it was difficult anyhow. I had no problems to enter India - but when I came to the airport to go home I was stopped by the immigration authorities. On the computer was a red square "Banned from all entries from India ...". They did not understand how I could have entered two weeks ago, without any problems. Maybe the office in Delhi finally has made a decision concerning my visa application from September? I wrote an e-mail from Bhopal to the ambassador and got a kind reply. I hope he will help me to get visa in the future. 21.01 [kommentar] arkiv 2010-6 | 2010-4 | 2010-1 2009-12 | 2009-11 | 2009-9 | 2009-6 | 2009-5 | 2009-4 | 2009-3 | 2009-2 | 2009-1 2008-12 | 2008-11 | 2008-10 Bloggning tillhandahållen av blogga.nu 6557