Acid attack survivors Mamta and Meena donned dream creations for a ramp show and shared their story with Team Viva
The horrific phenomenon of acid attacks still continues to be a weapon of violence against women, curbing their freedom of choices and giving them a life-long trauma. Though sale of acid as a toilet cleaner has been restricted across the counter, illegal procurement and availability have meant that they continue to be used by tormentors. It was to create awareness about this and empower survivors that the city witnessed a Power Walk of feisty women. The evening was hosted by Kitty Su, The laliT, in collaboration with Make love Not Scars NGO. The much-needed event was organised to boost the confidence of the victims whose journey has been one of immense pain and suffering.
Meena, one of the participants at the gala, was attacked in 2011. “It happened to me on November 5, in the wee hours while I was sleeping. I woke up screaming due to the burning sensation of kerosene oil on fire and was in a state of shock for some time. I didn’t even know who to blame for it as I couldn’t find my father-in-law in the house that morning while my mother-in-law behaved as if she had no clue about who did this gruesome act. My husband was away and came rushing to me petrified by my screams and blew the flames. His hands also got burnt in the process.” Following this, she was taken to hospital where her husband stood next to her. However, soon after she got discharged and went back to her maternal home, things changed and distance came between the two. “At first, he used to visit me on a weekly basis which later changed to monthly and so on. He soon discontinued supporting me both financially and emotionally.” Slowly, he started cutting chords with her while she was going through pain and agony. “On the contrary, my family was my pillar of strength at the most challenging time of my life. They took care of me, helped me cope and sent money timely. But they also had to support my younger brother and sister along with my medication. Soon, things started worsening financially which ended with them selling their house and us shifting into a rented house. I feel that the problems never really left me but what kept me going was my will to survive in spite all odds,” she added.
For Meena, being part of the Power Walk was a whole new experience. “It was nerve-wracking since I had never done anything like this before and my heart was beating too fast. It was a mixed feeling,” shared Meena, who doesn’t want the shadows of her past to be a hurdle in her future. “I am in a good state of mind, want to move forward in my life, be financially independent and want to make sure that my son receives quality education.”
Twenty eight-year-old Mamta was a victim of the gruesome attack by her own husband as their shallow demand of dowry was not met with. “I have survived on my own and my words will not be able to justify my journey. I would take this opportunity to send across a message that no matter what life throws at you, one should not bow down to it. Instead one should fight with courage and lead a life of dignity. There will be several difficulties in life but women are fighters and can achieve anything we put our mind to. During the challenging phase of my life, I even considered ending my life but didn’t. Instead, I went out, met new people, gained experiences and moved on in life.
“Initially, I didn’t even have a job and had to struggle for a long time. But now, I have one in the High Court. I’m settled and lead a good life. I believe that hard time and experience are the greatest teachers in life and my siblings supported me during that time. I get inspired by others and hope to be an inspiration for survivors like me that one incidence should not stop them from living their life,” added Mamta. For her, walking down the ramp was a great feeling and an honour. It made her forget the scars for a while and enjoy the moment.
“It is our mission to bring all the marginalised communities into mainstream space. Our hotel is an inclusive place, where everyone is welcome. Deformity is a serious issue, there are scars that stay and it is important for corporates to support the victims and help them walk the extra mile,” shared Keshav Suri, Executive Director of the laliT Group. Fashion designers, including Rohit Bal, Anita Dongre, Ranna Gill and Archana Kochhar, donated an outfit from their line for an auction.