The one who claimed to “love” them scarred them. Their attackers ensured that the girls never see a streak of colour in their life. However, the love for life brought a group of acid attack victims on a platform from where they could splash love on the world. And there couldn’t be a better place to show the world that love means to care and nourish.
As you walk into Cafe Sheroes Hangout opposite the Tajmahal gateway in Agra, you see a wall full of graffitis. look at it closer, and you see a woman with scars, colourful scars. The graffiti and the designing of the café have been done by volunteers of lalit Kala Academy.
Perhaps, she is the reflection of the women, who work and manage this place. They were all once beautiful, pretty women. But deprived of joy and acceptance, now they are struggling to prove that all was not over for them with an acid attack.
The ambience here is addictive and the neatness par excellence. Each frame on the wall seems to have a message.
An NGO named Chhanv collaborated with Stop Acid Attacks to come up with this place in 2014. This year in March, they spread to lucknow too and soon plan to open at other places, including in Udaipur, on August 15.
In Agra, it costs them about Rs 3 lakh to start operations. A website, dedicated to an acid attack survivor, Nitu, is a major contributor. Nitu and others now work here not just make a living but to turn their dreams into reality. They plan to train well and excel at their work.
Rupa, a 21-year-old survivor of an acid attack, has managed to gather funds and start a boutique here. She designs and sells clothes. Earlier this year, acid attack survivors like laxmi, Neetu and Rupa had a photo shoot wherein they donned clothes designed by Rupa herself.
“The reaction of customers was weird in the beginning but slowly they accepted us and now people visit us and eat here,” said Ritu who hails from Haryana and is still undergoing several surgeries. She became a victim of acid attack in 2012, but did not lose hope and started working with the cafe. The survivors stay in a hostel nearby.
The USP of this place perhaps is their willingness to trust people. The concept at Sheroes is simple: you can eat, read, chat, relax and yes shop!
There is a reading room too. You can find books on feminism and women empowerment here. “The aim is to educate, empower and spread love,” informed Ritu.
Shweta Jain (25), a bank employee, had come to spend her Sunday evening at this place. “It’s so lively... So warm and peaceful. I can sit here for hours and chat with my friends. The food is so delicious and made with so much love,” she added.
They don’t ask you to pay for the food and neither do they tell you to cough up their service charge, service tax or even a tip. “It may sound strange, but it’s true. There is a dropbox. One can pay as per his wish and ability,” Ritu added.
On being asked if it affects them financially, Ritu said customers are too generous to donate, which is enough for us as of now and helps us in achieving the cost utilised.
“The world is still beautiful,” said Nilima Jain. She dropped Rs 500 into the box after having coffee and chillie potatoes with two of her friends.