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L: Laxmi Agarwal #AToZChallenge

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In 2005, when Laxmi was 15, a 32 year old man pursued her. When she rejected his advances, he doused her with acid.

Not wanting others to go through the same fate as hers, Laxmi started her career as a campaigner with Stop Acid Attacks campaign. She worked as a campaign coordinator in the initial days. Soon, Laxmi became a voice of the survivors of Acid Attacks across the world. She received multiple awards in India for her work to curb the sale of acid and to rehabilitate the survivors of acid attacks through her foundation. Laxmi has also started her own campaign, StopSaleAcid. Did you know that people can buy acid without any prescription for a price of less than 20 rupees? Yes, all it takes it 20 bucks to ruin some one's life for good.

Laxmi, whose face and other body parts were disfigured in the acid attack, pleaded for a total ban on sale of acid, citing increasing number of such attacks on women across the country. In 2013, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Laxmi, thereby creating a fresh set of restrictions on the sale of acid. Under the new regulations, acid could not be sold to any individual below the age of 18 years. One is also required to furnish a photo identity card before buying acid. But, nothing much has changed even after the rules and regulations were put in place. Acid is still available to be purchased in shops for negligible amounts. To curb this, Laxmi has started a campaign called, Shoot Acid. By means of the Right to Information Act, she is trying to acquire data concerning the sale of acid in every district and intends to present the information collected through this initiative before the Supreme Court to apprise them of the situation on the ground.

Personally, life hasn't been easy for Laxmi. When people saw her, they used to comment saying why did someone have to pour acid on her face, maybe it should have been done on any other part of her body. Really? People are callous we all know, but some people are hell bent upon to prove it. Having said that, there are also people out there who make you want to believe in the goodness of human nature. Laxmi met and fell in love with Alok Dixit, a social activist who works with her. Today, they live together and have a daughter. They aren't married because they don't want people to come to their wedding and comment on her looks. Luckily for them, their families have accepted this and are happy for them and support them.

It would have been very easy for Laxmi to give up on her life and stay depressed or kill herself. But, no. This young woman decided to fight for herself and for many others like her. Today, she's an inspiration for so many of us. Deepika Padukone is making and starring in a movie based on Laxmi's life. This is a true story of human spirit. This is a true story that needs to be told. Laxmi is an inspiration like no other.

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I'm participating in the April A to Z Challenge for 2019 and my theme is Wonder Women.

Comments

  1. Her tale and many like her, is horrific to read. As a woman I dread this fate and really wonder how these women cope up with it.I wish there would be death punishment for rape and acid attack - these monsters dont deserve a life! Kudos to Laxmi and other bravehearts like her who lead such a tough but inspiring life!!

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    1. People who do this should be soaked in acid until their body melts into goop and should be thrown in the sewers!

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  2. I have read Laxmi's tale and really admire her. What she went through could depress and kill anyone else but her grit and determination is beyond amazing!

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    1. I'm glad she persisted. She is an inspiration to so many women today.

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  3. Truly a huge motivating story! I read it the other day in the newspapers and was stunned at the way society responded to her ordeal. She is a hero in the truest sense and an inspiration to scores of young women and girls.

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    1. Isn't it sad that she needs to be the one to face the wrath of society?

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  4. I have read a lot about Laxmi and the work she is doing for acid attack survivors. I have been to Sheroes Hangout in Agra which is managed by acid attack survivors. I dont know if this was Laxmi's initiave.

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    1. Oh that sounds so nice, Shilpa. Survivors should come out and talk about their ordeal and not give up on life.

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  5. I just love it when people heal and then come back to help others <3

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