Ingrid Eckerman

Since after December 3, the anniversary day of the Bhopal disaster, I have tried to get in contact with the person at the embassy who is responsible for visas. So far, I have not succeeded.

The reason why I am so eager to visit Bhopal again is the family that has adopted me as an extra grandmother - "mormor" in Swedish. In 1994, there was one grandchild - now there are 8, between 1 and 15 years of age. The eldest girl visited me here in Stockholm in June. The proper grandmother passed away in September, quite unexpectedly. I want to see how my family is, take part in their mourning, see what kind of support they need.

So this fact, that I do not get my visa, hits this family directly.
00.57 [kommentar]

It seems like India is closing its border a bit. Swedish journalists, who have written something critical about social conditions in India, do not get new visas. This surprises me. India is the world's largest democracy (although many seem to believe USA is). In my view, it is not less democratic than USA - just different. In this respect, India should be proud of itself and not be so sensitive to critics.

Anyhow, I am a medical doctor, and its not my goal to write critical articles about India. My goal is to support the victims of the gas disaster in Bhopal 1984. I do this through economic support to Sambhavna clinic, and through expressing my support for the demands of the survivors. But I have still not heard a word about my visa application.

Today, its 24 years since the Bhopal gas disaster happened.
09.42 [2 kommentarer]

eckerman.nu