For over thirty-five years, Abdul Jabbar was at the forefront of the struggle for the rights of the victims of the world's worst-ever industrial disaster. Jabbar Bhai, as he was known, passed away two years ago on 14 November. He was injured during the gas leak in the Union Carbide plant at Bhopal 37 years ago. In 2020, the central government posthumously honoured Abdul Jabbar with a Padma award. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the award ceremony was put off until November 2021.
Newsclick speaks with ND Jayaprakash, joint secretary, Delhi Science Forum, on the legacy of Abdul Jabbar and how the central and state governments can live up to the hopes and struggles of his lifetime. Jayakumar says the government can make the Padmashree to Abdul Jabbar truly meaningful by serving the cause of justice for the survivors and other residents of Bhopal. A starting point would be for the government to implement its promises and orders of the Supreme Court to ensure the best medical care to the victims, who number at least 1.5 lakh.