Laxmi Agarwal, an Indian survivor of an acid attack, advocates for the rights of acid attack victims, and a symbol of unwavering strength, possesses a narrative that surpasses the bounds of adversity. Born on June 1, 1990, in New Delhi, Laxmi’s life took an unforeseen turn in 2005 when, at the tender age of 15, she became the victim of a brutal acid attack. This harrowing incident not only marked the commencement of her personal struggle but also sparked a fervent crusade for justice and change.
The Tragic Turning Point
In 2005, Laxmi was a bright 11th-grade student with a promising future. Little did she anticipate that her life would be forever changed by the actions of a man from her neighbourhood, Naeem Khan. Naeem, 32 years old, proposed to Laxmi, but her rejection of him remained a secret, fearing potential consequences from her family.
Ten months later, Laxmi’s life took a horrifying turn. While returning from Khan Market at 10:45 in the morning, she received another proposal from Naeem. When she ignored him, Naeem and his older brother, Kamran, resorted to a cruel and barbaric act. Kamran called Laxmi’s name from behind on his motorcycle, and when she turned, Naeem threw acid directly at her face. In an instant, Laxmi’s world turned dark as the corrosive liquid burned her skin, causing unimaginable pain.
A Good Samaritan, Arun Singh, rushed to her aid, taking her to the hospital as her skin melted from the acid. This incident, laden with suffering, gave rise to a resilient spirit that would inspire many. Laxmi underwent multiple surgeries, including eye surgery, and fought bravely to reclaim her life.
Naeem Khan, her assailant, was arrested four days after the attack but was unfortunately bailed out a month later and married off. However, the relentless public outcry and media attention compelled the justice system to act, leading to his life imprisonment.
A Warrior’s Pursuit of Justice
Laxmi’s harrowing experience propelled her towards activism. In 2006, she filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), advocating for the creation of new laws or amendments to existing laws, such as the Indian Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code, to address acid attacks and provide just compensation to survivors. Her PIL also called for a complete ban on the sale of acid, given the increasing number of acid attacks on women in the country.
Despite initial assurances from the Indian government to the Supreme Court, promising a comprehensive plan to address acid attacks, they failed to deliver on their commitment, leading to the court imposing new restrictions on the sale of acid. These restrictions included an age limit and identity verification requirements. However, Laxmi contends that acid remains readily available in shops. To confront this issue, she initiated the “Shoot Acid” initiative, aiming to present data on acid sales to the Supreme Court to underscore the gravity of the situation.
A Life Beyond Adversity
Laxmi Agarwal’s personal life is also a testament to her resilience. In a relationship with social activist Alok Dixit, the two made a bold decision to cohabit instead of marrying, challenging societal norms. Their families supported this unconventional choice, emphasising that love transcends conventional expectations.
An Inspiring Journey Continues
Laxmi Agarwal’s unwavering determination and courage have transformed her into a symbol of hope for numerous survivors of acid attacks. Her hunger strike and relentless campaign against acid violence have been pivotal in advocating for justice and rehabilitation for survivors. She gained international recognition for her efforts, receiving the International Women of Courage award from former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama.
Laxmi’s narrative has not only inspired a nation but has also crossed borders. The 2020 Bollywood film “Chhapaak,” starring Deepika Padukone, brought her incredible journey to the silver screen, shedding light on her resilience and her mission to bring about change.
In a world where adversity can shatter even the strongest spirits, Laxmi Agarwal stands as a testament to the indomitable human will to rise above tragedy and fight for a better, more just world. Her journey serves as an inspiration to all, urging us to stand up against injustice and work towards a brighter, more inclusive future.
