Report from Jagdish Patel, Gujarat.

Today we observed 28 April – International Workers Memorial Day at Khambhat to mourn 25 silicosis victims. This is a new record of numbers of deaths in recent past. Among these 25, there are two pairs of Mother & son.One of the victims Ajay Fakir Machhi was on y 16 when he died last October. His mother Ramilaben (40) could not held back her tears rolling down while garlanding his photo. 10 Year old Sanjay lost his mother last year.He travelled all the way from Navapaura near Anklav to pay homage to her mother He had lost his father Mukeshbhai in 2011. Ajit Parmar lost his brother and Mother at two month interval during 2014. Among 25, 6 were women and 19 male. 14 (60%) were minority.

Some 200 workers, widows and concerned citizens attended the program held at Gawara Tower,Khambhat