Lalitha was all of 21, when her maternal uncle threw acid on her face for getting into a verbal argument, scarring her for life. Today, the 23 year old is still recuperating in Bombay Hospital.
This is also the story of 43-year-old Meenakshi*, who was attacked by her own husband, after she decided to earn and become financially independent, without his consent. Forty rounds of surgeries later, Meenakshi still needs to undergo a few more to help her get rid of her scars.
These are only a couple of instances that prompted professor Pratibha Naithani to team up with plastic surgeon Dr Ashok Gupta to help raise funds for victims of acid attacks. “While the victims may have survived the scars, defeating these scars is difficult, since it often takes an emotional toll on the victims. I often wondered about what can be done to help these survivors live a normal life,” she explains.
Pratibha has teamed up with the Sounds of the Sufis, an interactive musical documentary theatre performance, for an event tomorrow. She states that getting them on board was only apt, since Sufism is about spreading love. Talking about the show, she says, “The whole message is about unconditional love — punishment isn’t an instance of love,” says Pratibha, who is also the organiser for the show. She continues, “These misconceptions need to change, and hence the band was apt to highlight the message.”
While she looks to raise funds for the survivors, the St. Xavier’s College professor is also looking to educate the youth about the menace that acid attack has become. To that effect, she will also present a documentary on acid attacks at the event. “Sometimes even 60 rounds of surgeries aren’t enough for a victim,” she asserts. “We need to sensitise and create awareness among the youth.”
Meanwhile, Pratibha is also looking at regulating the purchase of acid in grocery stores. She says, “If AK-47 aren’t sold easily, then why are acids? I think policy makers need to consciously need to pass a law and make way for stricter laws.”
*Names changed on request
On Janaury 29, 6 pm onwards At St. Xavier’s College
For more information, call on 9004842925
