October 2014 Edition
This LowDOWn is full of events and news – so please make sure to read through it all.
In This Issue:
1) 30th Anniversary Call to Action
2) 30th Anniversary Events Scheduled
3) Social Justice Journal: Special Issue on the Bhopal Gas Disaster
1) 30th Anniversary Call to Action
December 3rd, 2014 marks the 30th anniversary of the Bhopal gas disaster, which continues to be the world’s worst industrial disaster. To date, approximately 25,000 have died as a result of their exposure to methyl isocyanate (MIC). There is a sharp increase in cancers and tuberculosis, in addition to chronic respiratory, ocular, neurological, neuromuscular, gynecological and reproductive health issues. Moreover, significantly higher rates of developmental disabilities and congenital malformations plague subsequent generations, and approximately 8,000 – 10,000 metric tons of toxic waste remains in and around the site, polluting soil and groundwater. While the suffering continues, so does the struggle. Survivors have sustained a 30-year struggle for justice — and are still fighting.
Please join us to commemorate those who lost their lives and health as a result of the Bhopal gas disaster, and honour those who continue to fight.
Being that it is the 30th anniversary, we hope to have 30 cities join us in carrying out solidarity actions.
If you’re organizing an event, please let us know so we can put on our Anniversary Event Calendar.
Organize a Bhopal: Prayer for Rain Screening
Are you interested in screening the yet-to-be released film, “Bhopal: A Prayer for Rain”, starring Martin Sheen, Rajpal Yadav, Tannishtha Chatterjee and Kal Penn? The film will be released on November 7th, 2014; however, we are able to assist in planning individual screenings before (and after) this date.
We have set a goal of organizing 30 film screenings between now and the 30th anniversary!
Watch the Film Trailer here.
Please contact us at icjb.us.ab@gmail.com to learn how to organize a film screening.
Seeking 30 People to Fast for 30 Hours on the 30th Anniversary
Perhaps there are no anniversary events near you? Or you are looking to take a solemn and reflective action in solidarity with Bhopalis? Join a group of at least 30 people committed to fasting on December 3rd for 30 hours. Some people are also raising money for the India campaign. Pledge to raise $30, $300, or $3,000 for the campaign.
Please fill out the sign up form online to let us know you are participating. And please share your experience on social media using the hashtags #bhopal30 #dowchemical and post to our Facebook wall.
Please e-mail us (icjb.us.ab@gmail.com) if you would like to plan an event or have any questions.
2) 30th Anniversary Events Scheduled
Visit Bhopal on December 3rd
The Bhopal-based survivor/support groups that lead the International Campaign for Justice in Bhopal (ICJB) invite all those who stand in solidarity with the survivors of the Bhopal gas disaster to visit Bhopal, India and join in the survivors’ commemoration of the 30th anniversary.
For full details, click here.
Calendar of Anniversary Events
Keep checking our website for the most updated list of anniversary events. Below are some of the events already scheduled in North America.
We All Live in Bhopal (Berkeley, California)
“We All Live in Bhopal” is a week-long summit in Berkeley, California that commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Bhopal gas disaster and the many “Bhopals” we face in North America. Various events will take place between October 17 and December 7, 2014, but the main summit will take place from December 2 – 7, 2014.
For a full Calendar of Events, click here.
For further information, click here.
For the Facebook event, click here.
To contact the organizer, please e-mail: WALIBbhopal1984[at]gmail[dot]com
Special Lecture – Globalization Since Bhopal: Three Decades of Environmental Disaster (Everywhere)
SOAS (University of London) and The Bhopal Medical Appeal (BMA) will host a special lecture on Monday, December 1st at 18:30- 20:30 GMT. This lecture will be simulcast to a range of universities throughout the world. After the lecture, there will be a Q&A, and the participating universities will have the chance to take part via an online interactive element. The lecture features Dr. Vandana Shiva and Ravi Rajan (associate Professor, Department of Environmental Studies, University of California).
For more information click here and to get your University/College be involved, please contact Colin Toogood (ColinToogood@bhopal.org) for more information.
The Autorickshaw Trio – Concert/Fundraiser (Toronto, Canada)
The Autorickshaw Trio, in partnership with Small World Music, Amnesty International and The International Campaign for Justice in Bhopal, will play a special fundraising concert in honor of the 30th anniversary of the Bhopal gas disaster.
Small World Music Centre (180 Shaw Street, Studio 101, Toronto, ON M6J 2W5)
Doors: 7:30, show 8:00pm
Tickets: $20 (purchase online here)
The Autorickshaw Trio’s music video shot in Bhopal – “City of Lakes”. Facebook Event Invite here.
March (Toronto, Canada)
Amnesty International’s Toronto-based Business and Human Rights Group, in partnership with ICJB North America, will be honouring the survivors of the ongoing Bhopal gas disaster on November 29th, 2014 with a march in Toronto. Supporters will have the opportunity to write a message of solidarity to the survivors of the Bhopal gas disaster, on a large banner that we will carry throughout the downtown area of Toronto.
For more information and to join us, please contact: reena.shadaan[at]gmail.com
Fundraising Dinner (Milwaukee, USA)
Assist Bhopal will be hosting a fundraising dinner on December 3rd, 2014 in honour of the ongoing disaster in Bhopal. Proceeds will go to The Chingari Trust, a school/rehabilitation center for children in Bhopal, born with congenital malformations and developmental disabilities due to their parents exposure to toxins.
If you plan to organize an event to commemorate the 30th anniversary, please let us know (icjb.us.ab@gmail.com). We want to document the various 30th anniversary actions. In addition, we can provide additional resources, contacts and logistical support to assist with your action.
3) Social Justice Journal: Special Issue on the Bhopal Gas Disaster
The Social Justice Journal is releasing a special double issue, in honor of the Bhopal gas disaster. Featuring articles by Rama Lakshmi, Shalini Sharma, Bridget Hanna, Tim Edwards, Indra Sinha, and more! For more information, a full list of articles and authors, or to place an order, please click here.
Thank You for reading and for your support of the International Campaign for Justice in Bhopal.
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