By Sneha Priya
Acid attacks are the most grotesque forms of violence ever executed by mankind. The cruelty of such an act is unfathomable and the result of which is blasphemously tragic. It is in these circumstances that Laxmi, aged 15, was attacked by acid for refusing to marry a man 17 years elder to her. The only fault of hers lay in the fact that she voiced her opinion with a rightful courage and grit. Now at 26, Laxmi has become an advocate for women affected by acid attacks, and come later this year will model for ‘Face of Courage’ campaign under an Indian Clothing Label of VivaNDiva.
“This opportunity to represent an apparel brand was a platform for me to set an example for women like me to be confident and have courage despite their physical appearances”, Laxmi told the BBC.
“This was also a platform for me to send a clear message to criminals that women will not lose courage even after they are attacked with acid to destroy their physical beauty.” She spoke out voicing the thoughts of a nation.
” People victimise acid attack survivors, but I think we need to come out of this mindset. I began showing my face gradually. Then other survivors saw that if I could do it, why couldn’t they?” explains Laxmi, who is now a mother to eight year old daughter, Pih, with her partner, Alok Dixit ( A Social Activist )
” This opportunity to represent an apparel brand was a platform for me to set an example, for women like me to be confident and have courage despite their physical appearances ” she continuous to strive for social change and upliftment.
” This was also a platform for me to send a clear message to criminals that women will not lose courage even after they are attacked with acid, to destroy their beauty ” she said owing strength to her insurmountable will and unshakable courage.
As she propagates the value of humanity through a country filled with uncontrollable chaos, it is high time we, as a society held up a mirror and looked at what we have turned into. Hoping for a change and actually doing something about, are two very different things. The following is the video of Laxmi’s stand for societal change :
We at Wirally, wish her our best regards for her future endevors and hope that this initiative initiates a change for betterment within our society.
