Rising From The Ashes: Saluting The Brave Acid Attack Survivors

The sizzling sound of skin melting away as the deadly liquid comes in contact with it; the putrid smell of burning flesh; the horror, shock, and utter disbelief that this could be happening to them — this is the torture that an acid victim endures on the fateful day.

India has the highest number of acid attack cases in the world. Most of these victims are women. While, according to reports, there are approximately 300 cases every year, advocates are certain the actual figures are close to 1,000. This isn’t about the victims and their families anymore — it is about us as a community and nation as a whole.

Unrequited love, jealousy, and bitterness — these are just some of the recurring themes that you notice when you hear the stories of acid attack victims. It is a brutal reality they will live with forever. However, their greatest regret is that people will constantly shun them, view them with repulsion, and avoid them like the plague. Making their life whole again is a distant dream since most struggle to come out of their shadows once again.

However, there are champions — women who are determined that they will wear their scars with pride and help those who share their plight. Several acid attack survivors have become the voice for attacked women today. Many more have gone on to empower themselves and find their own special place in the world.

Let’s take a look at the Chhanv Foundation and the work they do.

Instituted in 2014, Chhanv aimed at rehabilitating acid attack survivors. They came up with the concept of a café called Sheroes that is run entirely by acid attack victims. Their two cafes in Lucknow and Agra are testimony that every voice has a place and will be heard.

This initiative has employed over 30 women and reached out to hundreds of other victims, providing education, counseling, and other assistance. Many of these women are the sole earning members and proud providers for their families.

During the pandemic, the cafes were forced to shut down. However, they continued to provide cooked meals to the needy in Agra. Ironically, most of their own families are faced with hunger and a lack of funds owing to the situation.

At a time when these women have found the strength and spirit to resurge, the pandemic has robbed them of their means. The Chhanv Foundation has also worked relentlessly to provide grocery and COVID-10 hygiene kits to tide them through these times.

The candle in these women may have been burnt out during their attack, but they have found within them a spark that has lit its own fire. We now have the responsibility to ensure that this fire does not burn out and turn into the ashes of hopelessness and regret. Let us come forward and show these women that their scars have made them stronger than anything that tried to hurt them. Let us soothe their wounds and help them heal again.

Read more stories of inspiration, kindness, and courage here.