New Delhi: In 1997, Neelam Krishnamoorthy's two young children were among nearly 59 people who died in a fire at Uphaar, a Delhi cinema. Since then, she has been fighting for justice. On her children's 16th death anniversary, she shares her memories of them:That tragic day Friday 13th June 1997, started normally. Unnati and Ujjwal were very excited about seeing the much awaited and controversial new movie, Border. Excited as always, they kissed me and said that they would be back home by 7.30 pm......I had got them seats especially on the balcony so that they could watch the film comfortably.....little did I realise that it was the last time I will be seeing them alive.
Even now at times I feel the bell will ring and they will be at the door.....but the harsh reality is I have spent 5844 days without them..their friends today are grown up men and women some have children of their own...
June 1997Unnati, 17, a student of DPS R K Puram, Delhi, had just got her results. She wanted to pursue her career as a Company Secretary, so she had applied to all the colleges in Delhi University for a B. Com (Hons) Course. A lovely vibrant girl she loved to dress up go out with friends hang out at wimpy or nirulas and watch movies
Ujjwal was 13 going on 14, that awkward age. He was a student of DPS, Mathura Road. A good singer like his father he sang his first ad jingle standing on a stool to reach the mike. He wanted to pursue his career in marine engineering.He also loved watching movies
Unnati and Ujjwal were both bright and expressive teenagers. Often giving cards and gifts to express their feelings..even on that fateful they had plans to buy something for their Dad for father's day
Life was good. We had reached that wonderful point in our lives where we were behaving less like parents and children, and more like friends....today Unnati would have been 33 Ujjwal would have been 29 but destiny changed it all.
57 others also died along with both my children.....in the Uphaar Fire....Ironically not due to burns......they had all been asphyxiated ...as they were trapped in the balcony of the cinema hall .....just greed of getting 52 extra seats had snatched 59 precious lives....the fight to get justice for these lives lost continues in various courts
Meanwhile, in the last 16 years ....each day I repeat this promise to my children.....I will fight to ensure no other mother suffers this pain that I endure each day...I will fight ...raise my voice to ensure an Uphaar is never repeated...public places in India are made safe ....I know this is not an easy task but its the mission of my life .....a promise to my children that I have to fulfil....
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