Bhopal, India – Triveni Sonani begins her day at 9 a.m., welcoming children into the modest surroundings of Oriya Basti School. The institution serves as a beacon of hope in a community deeply affected by the Bhopal gas tragedy, which occurred nearly 40 years ago.
On this sunny December morning, Sonani prepares her students for a lesson on multiplication. The classroom, which features a weathered tin roof and partially plastered walls, is simple yet brimming with the potential of its young learners. Children sit on old wooden benches or mats laid across the concrete floor, their notebooks spread before them as sunlight filters through the roof’s gaps. Adjacent to the classroom is the “Anand Library,” a small but essential resource for the children.
As the lesson unfolds, the sounds of everyday life in Bhopal seep into the room—the revving of motorbikes, the calling of vendors, and the occasional mooing of stray cows harmonize with the spirited murmur of children reading aloud. The school, affectionately termed the “barefoot school” as many children attend without footwear, offers a foundation that empowers underserved families. Founded by the Sambhavna Trust in 2000, it aims to educate the children of gas tragedy survivors, ensuring they are not lost to the hardships of their circumstances.
December marks the 40th anniversary of the world’s most catastrophic industrial disaster. Located just four kilometers from the school, the now-abandoned Union Carbide factory is a stark reminder of the methyl isocyanate gas leak that claimed over 25,000 lives, leaving at least half a million with lasting health effects. Despite the passage of time, accountability has evaded the local community, and many families continue to navigate the challenges stemming from the tragedy.
The Oriya Basti area still faces significant challenges, including crumbling infrastructure, inadequate healthcare, and inconsistent access to clean water. Power outages are routine, and open drains pose health risks, further illustrating the dire need for support and resources. Yet, the existence of Oriya Basti School amid these hardships symbolizes resilience and hope.
Currently accommodating around 30 children aged 6 to 14, the school has educated approximately 300 students since its inception. The funding, mainly sourced through royalties from Dominique Lapierre’s book, “Five Past Midnight in Bhopal,” along with individual donations, underscores the community’s collective effort to rebuild and uplift its future generations.
For many survivors and their descendants, the impact of the gas leak lingers on, manifesting in persistent health issues. Trained professionals like Jaishree Pradhan, a former student of the school, now aim to use their education to help those who face similar challenges.
Sonani’s commitment to education persists, even as the school operates on limited resources. She dreams of expanding the infrastructure, creating a more conducive learning environment filled with technological resources. Each day, she nurtures the minds of children she hopes will someday return to contribute to their community.
Among the students is Ashtmi Thackeray, who strives for a career in law to champion those neglected by societal structures. Her experiences navigating bureaucratic challenges have fueled her resolve to advocate for others facing similar obstacles.
Ultimately, the Oriya Basti School stands as a testament to resilience, demonstrating that even in the aftermath of tragedy, communities can come together to nurture hope and pave the way for future leaders.
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