Ten inspiring acid attack survivors who rewrote their destiny
An acid attack doesn’t just scar the body—it shakes the very soul. Yet, there are some stories where courage rises from the ashes and inspires a nation. Kafi, an acid attack survivor from Hisar, Haryana, scored an outstanding 95.6% in the CBSE Class 12 exams on May 13, 2025, defying every odd and rewriting the narrative of survival. Her result was not just about academic success—it was a powerful statement against the brutality she once endured. She didn’t just top her class; she topped the spirit of resilience.
This report highlights the achievements of 10 acid attack survivor women from 2016 to 2025, each of whom has displayed unmatched courage, determination, and inner strength to rise beyond the trauma inflicted upon them. Coming back from an acid attack is not just about healing physical wounds—it’s about enduring emotional agony, endless surgeries, shattered confidence, and a society that often looks away. These women didn’t let the attack define them. Instead, they turned pain into purpose—excelling in academics, rebuilding careers, becoming voices for change, and standing tall as symbols of inspiration.
Recovering from such brutal attacks demands extraordinary emotional and physical strength. It’s a fight against fear, shame, and social stigma—every single day. These 10 women are not just survivors; they are warriors whose stories need to be told, celebrated, and remembered—not out of pity, but for their unshakable spirit and their ability to transform tragedy into triumph.
Acid attack survivor Kaifi shines with 95.6% in CBSE class 12
In an extraordinary tale of resilience and determination, Kaifi, a 17-year-old acid attack survivor from Hisar, Haryana, has stunned the nation by scoring 95.6% marks in the CBSE Class 12 examination. Despite losing her vision at the tender age of 2 due to a brutal acid attack by a neighbor during a family dispute, Kaifi has emerged as a symbol of strength and inspiration. Her success is not just academic—it’s a triumph over unimaginable trauma and adversity.
Raised in humble circumstances by her father, Pawan—a contract laborer and autorickshaw driver—Kaifi never let her disability hold her back. She had earlier secured 95.2% in her Class 10 exams as well, proving that hard work and perseverance know no barriers. Speaking with unwavering spirit, Kaifi said her parents’ sacrifices have been her biggest motivation, and she hopes to repay them by achieving her dream of becoming an IAS officer. She urges fellow students to stay focused, avoid distractions like social media, and commit to their goals with humility and sincerity.
Her principal, Rakesh Sharma, proudly shared that Kaifi topped among 173 students at the institute for the blind, all studying under the CBSE curriculum. “She is determined to serve society and has set her sights on the civil services. And looking at her dedication, there’s no doubt she will get there,” he said. Kaifi’s journey from a tragic past to academic excellence is a shining beacon for millions, proof that no matter how dark the past, the future can still be radiant.
Laxmi Agarwal: from acid attack survivor to a powerful voice for women’s rights
In 2005, at just 15 years old, Laxmi Agarwal faced a horrifying acid attack by a man named Guddu Naeem Khan. Despite the physical and emotional scars she endured, Laxmi refused to let this brutal act define her life. Instead, she rose to become a formidable advocate for acid attack survivors, fighting tirelessly for their rights, justice, and rehabilitation. Her relentless courage transformed her from a victim into a beacon of hope for many.
Over the years, Laxmi’s inspiring journey earned her international recognition. In 2014, she was honored with the International Women’s Courage Award by former U.S. President Barack Obama. She also spearheaded the Stop Acid Attacks campaign, raising awareness and pushing for stricter laws to protect women from such violence. In 2019, UNICEF awarded her the International Women’s Recognition Award, further cementing her role as a global advocate for women’s empowerment and justice.
Her story reached millions through the 2020 Bollywood film Chhapaak, starring Deepika Padukone, which portrayed Laxmi’s struggles and triumphs. Laxmi’s message is clear: despite the brutal attempt to break her, she chose empowerment over despair. She says, “The attacker thought that if I wasn’t his, I couldn’t be anyone’s. But today, I say I may not have become his, but I have become the world’s.” Her courage continues to inspire countless survivors and strengthens the movement against gender-based violence.
Kavita Bisht: from acid attack survivor to empowering women through skills and self-reliance
In 2008, at the age of 19, Kavita Bisht endured a horrific acid attack in Delhi that severely damaged her entire body, face, and both eyes. Despite such devastating physical and emotional trauma, Kavita’s spirit remained unbroken. With unwavering courage and determination, she rebuilt her life from scratch and emerged as a powerful symbol of resilience and empowerment.
Today, Kavita serves as the State Women Empowerment Brand Ambassador in Ramnagar, Uttarakhand. She is dedicated to uplifting other women by training them in sewing, embroidery, knitting, and other crafts at her initiative, Kavita’s Home. Through her efforts, over 100 women have gained valuable skills and become self-reliant, creating and selling decorative items that reach markets as far as Delhi and Mumbai. Kavita’s story is a testament to how faith and perseverance can transform personal tragedy into a source of hope and opportunity for many.
Community leaders, including village head Nidhi Mehra, deeply admire Kavita’s courage and dedication. They emphasize the importance of supporting women like her who, despite unimaginable hardships, rise to inspire and empower others. Kavita Bisht’s journey continues to motivate countless women to overcome obstacles and claim their rightful place in society.
Devanshi Yadav: from acid attack survivor to beacon of hope for orphans and women empowerment
Devanshi Yadav’s life is a powerful story of courage, resilience, and compassion. At just 14 years old, she became a victim of a brutal acid attack that severely damaged the left side of her face. Despite enduring immense physical and emotional pain, Devanshi did not let this tragedy define her. Years later, at the age of 18, she faced yet another challenge—sexual harassment by a family acquaintance. However, these hardships only strengthened her resolve to live a meaningful and impactful life.
Refusing to be limited by her own suffering, Devanshi took a remarkable step by founding the Ramashray Relief Society, an NGO in Bareilly named after her martyred father. Through this organization, she has dedicated herself to helping vulnerable children, especially orphans. Devanshi has adopted three orphan girls, breaking societal norms and embodying motherhood despite being unmarried. One of the girls, Vanmayi, now three and a half years old, lives with Devanshi and is a source of joy and fulfillment for her. Devanshi’s care and love extend beyond her home, as she provides education, ration, medical aid, and emotional support to around 600 needy children through her NGO.
Devanshi’s journey is deeply inspired by her family background. Her father, Ramashray Yadav, was a courageous officer who was martyred fighting terrorists in 1992, and her mother, Sanju Yadav, supports her unconditionally. When Devanshi expressed her desire to adopt an orphan girl, her mother initially had doubts, concerned about societal perceptions and marriage prospects. But seeing Devanshi’s determination, she eventually supported her decision, enabling Devanshi to register with CARA and legally adopt Vanmayi in 2019. This adoption brought new meaning and happiness to Devanshi’s life, symbolizing her triumph over personal loss and societal stigma.
Through her activism and social work, Devanshi advocates for changing mindsets about daughters and victims of violence. She emphasizes the importance of family support for girls who suffer tragedies like acid attacks, believing that when families stand strong behind their daughters, they have already won half the battle. Devanshi’s story is a beacon of hope and empowerment, inspiring many others to overcome adversity and work towards a kinder, more supportive society.
Shaheen Malik: from acid attack survivor to a beacon of hope for hundreds
The world continues to witness a disturbing number of crimes against women, including acid attacks, which shatter lives and dreams in an instant. Shaheen Malik’s story is a powerful testament to resilience and courage in the face of such brutality. Once a bright student pursuing her MBA and working towards a promising future, Shaheen’s life took a tragic turn on November 19, 2009, when she became the victim of a horrific acid attack that changed her life forever.
Shaheen was attacked by colleagues and four male students from her college, motivated by jealousy over her academic success. As she stepped out of her office that day, a man with a handkerchief covering his face approached her and threw acid on her face. The attack left 90 percent of her face severely burnt, and she lost sight in one eye completely. The physical and emotional trauma was overwhelming. In addition to enduring excruciating pain and multiple surgeries, Shaheen also faced mental health struggles, including severe depression, compounded by the financial strain on her family.
Despite these challenges, Shaheen refused to let the attack define or destroy her. By 2013, she began working with organizations that support acid attack survivors, including the Delhi Women’s Commission and Stop Acid Attacks. Through these experiences, she found her true calling: to help other survivors rebuild their lives. Driven by this mission, Shaheen founded her own NGO, Brave Souls Foundation, in 2021. Through this foundation, she has supported over 300 acid attack survivors, helping them receive necessary medical treatment, legal aid, psychological counseling, and financial compensation.
Brave Souls Foundation also operates a shelter called ‘Apna Ghar,’ which provides a safe haven for survivors from different states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Mumbai, and West Bengal. Here, survivors not only receive medical and legal support but also emotional and psychological care, enabling them to regain their confidence and independence. Shaheen Malik’s journey from a victim to a champion for others is a remarkable example of strength and hope, inspiring countless women to stand up against violence and reclaim their lives.
Acid attack survivor Sonali Mukherjee invited to Rashtrapati bhavan for Republic day event
Sonali Mukherjee, an acid attack survivor from Bokaro, Jharkhand, has received a prestigious invitation from Rashtrapati Bhavan to attend the ‘At Home’ program on the evening of Republic Day, 26 January 2025. The official invitation letter was personally handed over to her at her residence by Abhijeet Ranjan, Assistant Postal Superintendent of the Western Subdivision Bokaro, along with postal workers Devendra Kumar, KK Upadhyay, and Abhishek Singh. Expressing her joy, Sonali described the invitation as a great honour and a moment of pride.
Sonali’s journey of resilience began on 22 April 2003, when she was subjected to a brutal acid attack in Dhanbad. The attack left her with severe burns covering 70% of her body and caused the loss of vision in one eye. Despite these immense physical and emotional challenges, Sonali refused to succumb to despair. She confronted her struggles with remarkable courage and determination, gradually rebuilding her life. Today, she lives happily with her husband and daughter and continues to inspire others with her story of survival.
In 2012, Sonali gained national recognition when she appeared on the popular television quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC), hosted by Amitabh Bachchan. Participating in the special episode ‘Doosra Mauka’ (Second Chance), she won a prize of 25 lakh rupees. This achievement not only brought her financial support but also made her an inspirational figure across the country. Since 2014, Sonali has been working in the third category at the Bokaro Collectorate, proving her determination to lead a normal and productive life.
Apart from her professional work, Sonali has been actively involved in spreading awareness and motivation among acid attack survivors globally. In January 2024, she participated as a Purple Ambassador at the International Purple Fest held at Kala Academy, Goa. There, she shared her story and taught the art of resilience and positive living to survivors from across the world. Sonali firmly believes that overcoming such adversity requires not just physical strength but also immense mental fortitude and unwavering resolve.
Acid attack survivor Pragya’s inspiring journey
Pragya’s life took a tragic turn just 12 days after her marriage in 2006, when a vengeful ex-boyfriend threw acid on her while she was travelling by train from Varanasi to Delhi. At only 23 years old, she suffered severe burns and disfigurement, enduring 15 painful surgeries to restore basic functions like breathing and speaking. Despite the devastating trauma, Pragya’s spirit remained unbroken. Instead of hiding from the world, she chose to fight back and dedicate her life to helping other acid attack survivors regain dignity and hope.
In 2013, Pragya established the Atijeevan Foundation, a beacon of support for women who have suffered similar attacks. Through this foundation, she has facilitated more than 300 free reconstructive surgeries for around 200 survivors across India. Pragya and her team not only offer medical assistance but also provide vital legal aid, psychological counseling, and economic support, helping survivors find employment and rebuild their lives. The foundation collaborates with 15 private hospitals nationwide to ensure quality treatment, especially for those who cannot afford costly surgeries.
Pragya’s personal resolve to embrace her scars rather than erase them through cosmetic surgery has become a powerful message for others. She believes that healing is not just physical but deeply mental and emotional. She recognizes that many acid attacks stem from toxic emotions—failed relationships, family conflicts, dowry disputes, or property battles—and the devastating impact they leave on young women in their 20s and 30s. While reconstructive surgeries often require 35 to 40 procedures, the financial burden on victims and their families is immense, a challenge her foundation actively seeks to alleviate.
Despite the 2015 Supreme Court directive to prohibit discrimination against acid attack survivors in employment, Pragya highlights the ongoing struggles survivors face in securing dignified jobs. Although some companies have begun to open their doors, survivors are frequently underpaid or overlooked due to prejudice. Pragya’s mission continues to focus on changing societal attitudes, ensuring that survivors are not only healed but also empowered to live independent, respected lives. Her journey from a victim to a social champion embodies resilience, hope, and the transformative power of compassion.
Reshma Qureshi’s journey from acid attack victim to global icon
In 2014, at the age of just 17, Reshma Qureshi’s life was shattered when she became the victim of a brutal acid attack in Lucknow. The attack, orchestrated by her own brother-in-law and his accomplices, left her face severely burned and cost her the vision in one eye. The cruelty of the attack was visible on her face, yet what stood out even more was the strength and resilience she displayed in the aftermath.
After enduring extensive medical treatments, Reshma emerged not just on her feet, but with a renewed spirit. She rose to prominence after joining the organization Make Love Not Scars, leading a campaign called #EndAcidSale, which aimed to raise awareness against acid violence and push for stricter regulation of acid sales. Her story inspired many, and in 2018, she published her autobiography titled “Being Reshma: The Extraordinary Story of an Acid Attack Survivor who Took the World by Storm”, where she candidly shared her trauma, emotional battles, and eventual rise to success.
Reshma’s impact extended beyond activism. She began walking the ramp in fashion shows to spread awareness, using her presence as a statement against acid violence and societal rejection. Her most notable moment came in 2016 when she walked the runway at New York Fashion Week, earning thunderous applause. Her participation marked a powerful moment—not just for her, but for all survivors—proving that beauty and courage are far deeper than appearances.
Once a young girl with shattered dreams and a scarred face, Reshma Qureshi is now a globally recognized advocate, speaker, and inspiration. Honored with titles like Women of Courage, Young Achiever, and Symbol of Strength, Reshma’s journey is a reminder that even the deepest wounds can be transformed into powerful voices of change. The face that others tried to destroy now tells a story of unmatched bravery and unshakable resolve.
Shabnam Wani: from the brink of death to a life of purpose
In 2011, Shabnam Wani was the victim of a brutal acid attack. At the time, she had just completed her 10th-grade exams. Without any known reason or identified attacker, acid was thrown on her face, hands, and legs. The burns were so severe that the flesh above her knees was destroyed, her nerves were damaged, and she was bedridden for three long years. In the years that followed, Shabnam endured 49 surgeries, each one painful and emotionally draining.
Today, at 30 years old, Shabnam is a living example of strength. Despite the immense physical and emotional trauma, she not only stood back on her feet but also found a larger purpose — helping others like her. Now based in Delhi, she works with an NGO dedicated to the welfare of women and children, especially survivors of acid attacks and gender-based violence.
Reflecting on her journey, Shabnam recalls the darkest moments. “After the attack, I was rushed to the hospital. My family was told there was no hope. They bought a burial shroud. People had gathered, mourning, preparing for the worst. I could hear the noise but couldn’t speak or move. It was like a nightmare. Then suddenly, my younger sister held my hand and said, ‘She’s alive!’ I moved my fingers, and that small gesture brought me back.”
She still remembers how, just a day before the attack, she had applied henna on her hands — and now, that hand hung limp, lifeless from the burns.
Shabnam moved to Delhi in 2014, driven by necessity but fueled by purpose. What could have ended her life became the start of a mission — not just to heal herself but to bring hope to others. Today, she’s not only a survivor but a mentor, a guide, and a voice for the voiceless.
How Rupa and Seema turned acid attacks into stories of strength
Rupa was just 15 years old when her stepmother brutally attacked her with acid in Uttar Pradesh. After losing her mother at a young age, Rupa’s life took a darker turn when her father remarried. Her stepmother forced her out of school, made her do household chores, and one night tried to strangle her. When that failed, she threw acid on Rupa’s face, leaving her severely disfigured. But Rupa’s spirit remained unbroken. With support from the Chhanv Foundation, an NGO that helps acid attack survivors, Rupa found work at Sheroes Café in Agra. Today, she runs her own boutique in Delhi — “Rupa Designer” — a space that stands for fashion, confidence, and new beginnings.
Seema’s life was also shattered in an instant, though she wasn’t even the intended target. The attackers meant to throw acid on her brother, but Seema stepped out of the house instead and became the unintended victim. Her family couldn’t afford her medical treatment, but Seema refused to surrender. She left home with nothing but breakfast money and decided to fight her battle alone. Through resilience and sheer willpower, she too joined Sheroes Café, where she found purpose and empowerment. Now 29, Seema says she feels more beautiful than ever — not because of her face, but because of the strength she has discovered within herself. She is set to get married on July 9, 2024.
Both women represent the untold reality of acid attacks in India, where 70% of the victims are women, often attacked by family members or people close to them. While acid attacks are often wrongly assumed to be crimes of passion, Rupa and Seema’s stories show how deep-rooted cruelty and patriarchal violence can be. Yet, their stories also prove that these attacks cannot define a life — resilience, support, and courage can rewrite the narrative.
From disfigurement and pain to empowerment and pride, Rupa and Seema are not just survivors — they are symbols of transformation. Their work at Sheroes Café and beyond is not just about earning a livelihood, but about inspiring others to rise from trauma with dignity and hope.
In a world where the faces of evil often hide in plain sight—where predatory humans inflict unspeakable cruelty in the shadows of society—these ten courageous women have emerged not just as survivors, but as warriors of resilience. Scarred but not silenced, broken but never beaten, they have confronted trauma that could shatter the strongest of spirits and turned it into fuel for transformation.
Their journey is not just one of healing—it is a defiant stand against a world that tried to erase them. Each of these women, through sheer will, dignity, and purpose, has carved a new identity far beyond victimhood. In doing so, they’ve shown that humanity at its most raw and honest exists not in comfort, but in courage. They are better, braver, and more human than most of us will ever be. Their lives are a testament to the fact that even in a world steeped in violence and injustice, the human spirit can burn brighter than acid, stronger than hate. And through their stories, they inspire countless others to reclaim their voices, their dreams, and their destinies.
This is not just their story. It is a call to all who suffer—to rise, to fight, and to never be defined by the darkness they endure.
Source link
