“I was merely 17 years old when my sister’s estranged husband poured acid on my face. I believe I was mistaken to be her. I was rushed to the hospital, but in vain. The lack of an FIR, ignorance and chaos led to the burns getting worse with every passing second. Almost my entire face was burnt and vision in my left eye, lost. The treatment took months and robbed us of all our money and other savings. But that was just the tip of the iceberg. The greater problem was the way society treated me, questioned me and held me responsible. The attack also robbed me off my face, my soul and my will to live. I hadn’t seen myself in a mirror for months after the incident and when I did, I couldn’t recognise myself. I was defeated. I couldn’t believe what had occurred but my family, relatives and close friends stood by me like a sturdy support system. Their love, care and strength not just reinstated the will to live, but motivated me to raise my voice and fight. I started wondering why something so dangerous such as acid is so easily available in markets, almost like drinking water! I campaigned about it, spoke about it and consequently, I was invited to walk the ramp at the New York Fashion Week! It was my first time ever walking a ramp and that too at one of the biggest events! I was elated but had endless jitters. The confidence I had regained was more than ever. I was often thrown questions at, like who would marry me now or how I’d manage with a burnt face! I realised that more often than not, victims of heinous crimes such as acid attack and rape are pointed fingers at more than the criminals! There’s only one way that can be rectified. We, as women, as a society must come together, support and uplift other women, especially victims. We must love them and let them love themselves- make sure they travel, dress, apply make up and have a career just like everyone else. We have scars, indeed, but they must not become our identity. This is my fight, for the rest of my tribe.”

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