Ten acid attack survivors came together to raise awareness and funds against a social crime.
Photographs by Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff.com
They belonged to different parts of India but shared a common enemy -- a potent liquid that changed their lives forever.
Some were attacked by their own kin. Some scarred for life. Some struggling to survive.
On Sunday, April 2, event management firm Iktara Group and Acid Survivors Saahas Foundation (ASSF), a city-based NGO, organised a fashion show at Lokhandwala Gardens, Mumbai, to highlight their spirit and raise funds for their future.
Daulat Khan, 36, president, Acid Survivors Saahas Foundation (ASSF) was attacked six years ago. Having survived six reconstructive surgeries amounting to lakhs, she shared her inspiration behind the fundraiser.
"Log hamare chehre ko lekar publicity zaroor karte hai par madad nahi karte. Hamara chehra dikhakar fund lete hai, par hume fund dete nahi hai." (People seek publicity from our faces, but don't help us. They seek funds, but don't pass it on to us.)
That's how Khan realised that perhaps she should organise a show herself. "Hum kisise bheek kyu maange?" (Why should we beg?) she says.
The proceeds from the fundraiser, Khan said, would facilitate victims pursue medical treatment and legal action against offenders.
Some pics from the show:
"They are not victims, they are victors," Ranavat insisted while thanking the participants, organisers and crew members.
Kudos to the entire team for putting together a successful show in just a week's time.
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