Acid attack survivors might have lost sight but not vision

She might have lost her sight in an acid attack but not her vision.
A split-second act of mindless violence, which scorches even now though the corrosive chemical ceases to burn, had left Sita (name changed) blind for life.
But, sheer grit to march on ignited a passion in her to live a worthy and meaningful life.
As 40 acid attack survivors were honoured and provided with financial assistance by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav to mark International Women's Day here, many recounted the horror and told the tales of their fight.
Ranjita (18), who can hardly walk without help, gets goose bumps as she narrates the horror of December 16, 2013.

Three youths threw acid on her while she was coming from school, she said. Today, the Meerut girl is determined to get her life back on track.

"I will continue my treatment with the assistance given by the government. My aim is to get back on my feet and help others like me," she told PTI.
18-year-old Anshu, who hails from Bijnor, was attacked with acid by a 55-year-old in 2014. The man, she says, had dispute with her father.
She lost one eye whereas another was badly damaged. It does not bother her when people stare at her disfigured face, Anshu says.

"I want to continue my studies."
A highlight of the day was inauguration of a special eatery 'Sheroes Hangout' to be run by the survivors.
The 'Sheroes' - a portmanteau of 'she' and 'heroes' - is an initiative by the acid attack survivors and NGO Chhanv Foundation (Stop Acid Attacks), founded by activist-survivor Laxmi and her partner Alok Dixit.
Visitors even curate the cafe library's collection,
adding books on feminism, management, and social issues.
Survivors' portraits, vibrant graffiti, bead curtains, cane furniture and an airy verandah make up 'Sheroes Hangout', which was opened in Agra in December 2014.
The 30-seater cafe is managed and run by five women, all survivors of acid attacks.

Working at the cafe, the survivors have found a renewed zest for life, said one of them, at the Chief Minister's residence where they were honoured.
Sharing her tale, state-level volleyball player Smita (name changed) recalls how a pillion rider, paid by her cousin, flung acid on her to settle a property dispute when she was off to the playground.
"I didn't interact with people earlier. But, I found myself again on seeing other survivors happy. My spirit remains unbroken. I'm very proud of myself," she said.
The cafe in Lucknow, the second after Agra, will provide employment and support to five attack survivors. It is an initiative in collaboration with the state government.

The state Women and Child Development department assists over 200 survivors in their treatment, an official said.
A calendar featuring the acid attack survivors who are working at Sheroes Hangout in Agra was also released on the occasion. The portraits were shot by a French and an Indian photographer.
Speaking on the occasion the Chief Minister said the stories of the acid attack survivors were that of courage and inspiration.
He said there would be few women who have done such a courageous act. "Only that person, who takes risk, will progress. A family cannot be happy if its women members are not happy," he added.