Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The cruel nights of December 2 and 3, 1984, are still etched in minds of local residents. The impact of the tragedy can still be felt. It has maimed many children of the present generation. Many are mute, have autism and other disorders. Such is its impact.
Free Press spoke with several parents who shared their painful experiences of raising children affected by the disaster’s legacy.
A life of silence & struggle
Eleven-year-old Fatima cannot speak, walk, or talk. Her father, exposed to the MIC gas as a child, suffered respiratory and other health issues. When Fatima was born, she was diagnosed with severe disabilities. Tragically, her father divorced her mother two years after her birth, blaming her for having a disabled child.
Battling seizures since infancy
Pratham Pungwani, who is just 5-and-half-year-old, struggles to sit or walk and suffers frequent seizures. His father, a gas tragedy survivor, passed him the long-term effects. Pratham’s mother shared that he has been on a keto diet and undergoing therapy since he was eight months old. Despite consulting numerous doctors, his condition remains unchanged, and he continues to rely on lifelong medication.
A mother’s unfulfilled wish
Twelve-year-old Sudha is born to parents who were both gas tragedy survivors. Sudha is mentally unstable and unable to walk or speak. “She is a very beautiful girl. If she were fine, she would be studying in class 5 now. All I wish is to see her stand on her knees,” said her mother battling tears.
Small steps of progress amidst adversity
Affan, 5, cannot speak or move his neck. His father, exposed to MIC gas as an infant, passed on the impact to his son. Affan’s mother, Alam, explained that her son could neither eat nor sit initially, but with therapy and medication, he has made slight progress and can now eat and sit upright.
Living with autism
Twelve-year-old Alfez was born with autism, a condition affecting social skills, speech, and nonverbal communication. His father, who like others was also exposed to MIC gas as a child, carried the tragedy’s legacy into the next generation.
