Friends, the city of Bhopal is the heart of India in every sense - anatomically, psychologically as well as historically. In this city, blessed by the most beautiful lake by Mother Nature, th soul of India resides. People of all religion flourished here contributing to the stature and strength of the Nation.

Nineteen years ago, this city suffered a tragedy that was worst in magnitude and cruel in content. Thousands of innocent people - old, young, children perished under the lethal cloud of Methyl Isoeyanate. More than 1,50,000 people are still suffering with life-long misery. When 10-15 of these poor souls depart every month, it is a liberation from ordeal unparallel in the human history. I pray for them. May peace be on them.

I have no hesitation in acknowledging that we failed to manage the disaster as a responsible society. I consider Bhopal Gas Tragedy as the deepest wound mankind suffered in the last twenty-five years. The task is still unfinished. A generation cursed with a life with suffering needs our attention and care. As a nation we have to support them, as a Society integrate them, as people be kind to them.

I have a dream of Developed India. I share this dream with all whenever I go, particularly with the children. While I attempt to ignite their minds to believe that they deserved to live in a developed country, I also feel ensurmous responsibility of ensuring that these dreams do not turn into delusions.

The world is changing fast. Driven by the powerful engines of technology and fueled by the knowledge explosion unprecedental in human history, man is moving ahead in leaps. There can be nothing more foolish than dragging feet on issues that are past and passe. In this gathering of medical experts and health care professionals I dream of a Centre of Medical Excellence here. This centre should take up research on genetic aspects of MIC toxicity and cellular abnormality. We all must work towards the mitigation of a curse inflicted upon our people.

There is a telemedicine connectivity established with the out-reach centres of this hospital and between here and Care Hospital, Hyderabad. This achievement will bring the best of healthcare to Bhopal. Let this follow the connectivity of resources, the connectivity of purpose, and finally the connectivity of mind.

May God Bless you.

May peace and prosperity on the people of Bhopal and Madhya Pradesh.

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