Factual
20 years on BBC remembers Bhopal gas tragedy with documentary
MUMBAI: It was on 2 December 1984 that a gas tragedy struck Bhopal killing 8,000 people and injuring over 200,000 in one night.
Now BBC One in the UK will air a documentary on 1 December called One Night in Bhopal.
On that fateful night a routine maintenance operation by the American industrial giant Union Carbide turned into a disaster. The company stored huge quantities of toxic chemicals in the city under what proved to be an extremely inadequate safety regime. Ultimately, a botched incident lead to poisonuous gas escaping from the factory and drifting into the sleeping city, with catastrophic results.
The script for the documentary was written by Avie Luthra Canterbury Tales and it will be narrated by actress Indira Varma Bride and Prejudice.
The documentary tells the story of the lives of five people who lived and worked in Bhopal. Mehboob’s husband was employed by Union Carbide as a maintenance worker. He survived that night, but suffered lung and chest infections for the next 15 years of his life before eventually dying of TB.
She also lost two sons to the tragedy and is today deeply in debt to money lenders. Kumkum was a doctor who resigned from the company after her concerns about safety were ignored.
Swaraj is a local police Superintendent who worked to restore calm on the night. Heavily exposed to the gas he is now a sick man, angry that justice as he sees it has not been done. Shahid was left orphaned by the tragedy and himself suffers breathlessness and dizziness. Today he helps victims of the gas seek medical help.
Suman was a young technician at the factory whose life was saved due to an oxygen mask. He could not prevent the tragedy but was there to witness it first hand, a burden he carries with him to this day.
The documentary goes on to note that today, the suffering in Bhopal shows little sign of improvement. The health effects were ruinous, the death toll continues to grow and thousands remain disabled by chronic symptoms. The compensation paid by Union Carbide is patchily distributed and no-one ever faced criminal charges for the neglect that lead to the disaster. The terrible after effects of that one night in Bhopal continue to this day.
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National Geographic launches ‘Postcards from Hong Kong’ with Ridhi Dogra
New series explores the city’s hidden gems and vibrant contrasts, premiering 28 March.
MUMBAI: Ridhi Dogra just sent a postcard from Hong Kong that’s worth framing because when a bustling metropolis reveals its quiet trails and timeless traditions, even the skyline takes a back seat. National Geographic has unveiled Postcards from Hong Kong, a refreshing travel series hosted and curated by actor Ridhi Dogra. Produced by National Geographic Creative Works in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the show offers an intimate, Indian traveller’s perspective on one of Asia’s most iconic cities, moving beyond its glittering harbour and skyscrapers to uncover serene beaches, scenic hiking trails and deep cultural traditions.
Across three visually rich episodes, Ridhi journeys through contrasting sides of Hong Kong. The first episode takes her on a quieter path of self-discovery to places like Sai Kung, Big Wave Bay, Dragon’s Back, Tai O, Ngong Ping, Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha. The second episode dives into the city’s energetic side, from the bustling streets of Causeway Bay to Happy Valley Racecourse, Michelin-starred spots and luxury shopping at Landmark.
Ridhi Dogra said, “Being part of Postcards from Hong Kong with Nat Geo was a deeply enriching experience. What I love about this journey is that it goes beyond the obvious; it’s not just about the skyline or the speed of the city but about the stories that live in its quieter corners.”
A National Geographic India spokesperson added, “With Postcards from Hong Kong, we set out to go beyond the familiar and explore the city through a more intimate, human lens.”
Hong Kong Tourism Board director of South Asia Puneet Kumar noted, “Postcards from Hong Kong is a reflection of meaningful storytelling that brings the city to life in an immersive way. It beautifully captures the diversity and spirit that define Hong Kong.”
Blending travel, culture and personal storytelling, the series celebrates Hong Kong as a city of contrasts where modern life meets tradition and every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. It premieres on 28 March at 8 pm on the National Geographic Channel and will also stream on JioHotstar.
In a world of hurried travel reels, Postcards from Hong Kong slows things down just enough to let viewers truly see the city not just its lights, but its layers, proving that the best souvenirs are the stories you bring home.
