Acid attack survivors walk the ramp at fashion show

New Delhi: Thirty-eight-year-old Aruna Tripathi had an interest in modelling and had dreamt of pursuing it when she was in her twenties but an acid attack shook her confidence and aspirations.

On Monday, when she walked the ramp at a fashion show, she felt as if the opportunity has come her way to fulfil her desires, which she could not have done earlier.

In an emphatic show of courage and hope, survivors of acid attack took to the ramp at a unique fashion show at the India Showcase Week, demolishing stigma and redefining the concept of beauty.

“When there was time to proceed with my interests, the acid attack happened and many problems followed. I had great fun and enjoyed when I walked the ramp today. I will accept more offers if they come my way,” said an excited Ms Tripathi. The incident happened with her when she was 27. She was on her way back home with four other girls, who were also injured by the attack. The acid left 15 percent burns on the right side of her face and neck. She doesn’t know the attacker but she suspects that the attack was meant for another girl who was travelling with her. Apart from Ms Tripathi, other showstoppers for the evening included Ms Anu Mukherjee (30), Ms Archana Thakur (30) and Ms Bharti Panchal (20). The fashion show was organised by Cocoona Centre for Aesthetic Transformation in collaboration with Atijeevan Foundation and choreographed and styled by fashion stylist duo Manish Bansal and Henna Parimoo. Another acid attack survivor, Ms Panchal, said, “When the audience clapped as I walked the ramp, it boosted my morale and made me very happy.” The ramp walk was followed by a motivational talk by Dr Sanjay Parashar, a renowned plastic surgeon and the founder of Cocoona Centre of Aesthetic Transformation. “This menace must be eliminated, not just by strict implementation of laws but also by fighting patriarchy that justifies violence against women,” he said.