PPT Slide
DEVIL'S WATER (Arsenic: Cause, Effect and Remedy in Bangladesh and West Bengal- India) Screaming, they left their villages in haste - 'The Devil's water is rising, flee!' They had no wish to touch, nor any desire to taste. Aid Agencies and their 'yes men', without a qualm explained, 'The Green Revolution will arrive, so will healthy bodies thrive - Now come receive in the cup of your hands - this boon the gods have sent.' Intoxication churned the blood - Devil became God thereafter - His mission was accomplished Through every living pore of skin burst forth Devil's laughter!' Who is that weeping secretly, her face buried in a shroud? Whose eyes are those in which such anxiety cloud? 'I am Nature, Primal Mother. And water my life-blood- Have you slaked your thirst with your mother's blood?' 'Cast your eyes far and wide my children, look around - The nectar of immortality in all places abound, What foolish whim causes you to fling it far aside?' 'There is time still, yes, time is on our side - Drink no more your mother's blood, take nurture from her breast, In village, or in city, wherever you may abide - With people's participation come take up my treasure-chest.'
Dipankar Chakraborti, School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur University, Calcutta, India
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