Laxmi, 16, recited a poem in her acceptance speech.
By Deepak Chitnis
WASHINGTON, DC: Laxmi, a 16 year-old Indian girl and survivor of an acid attack that left her face permanently scarred, was awarded the US Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage award by Michelle Obama, in a ceremony at the US Department of State.
In giving her the award, Deputy Secretary of State Heather A. Higginbottom said “For fearless advocacy on behalf of victims of acid attacks and for bringing hope to survivors of gender-based violence and disfigurement, we name Laxmi a Woman of Courage.”
“These women are creating ripples that stretch across the globe,” said the First Lady, in introducing the ten recipients of this year’s award. “They teach us that if a woman can fight torture and oppression […] then surely we can summon a fraction of their bravery in our own lives and communities, whether that means ending wage discrimination in the workplace or fighting sexual violence on college campuses or confronting any of the small injustices that we see every day.”
Higginbottom then spoke about Laxmi’s case specifically. “Acid attacks are committed almost exclusively on women, particularly on young women,” said Higginbottom. “Many of the victims feel they have no choice but to withdraw from society or even commit suicide, and they’re more common than you might realize, in part because it’s such an easy weapon to get your hands on.”
But after her attack, Laxmi became a tireless campaigner against acid attacks,” she continued. “Thanks to her hard work and tremendous diligence, Laxmi was successful in petitioning the Supreme Court to order the Indian Government to regulate the sale of acid and to make prosecutions of acid attacks easier to pursue. And she continues to push for progress still today.”
Laxmi herself took the stage to accept her award, thanking those who chose for the recognition and reciting a poem she wrote (her first ever) about living as the survivor of an acid attack.
“You hold the acid that charred my dreams. Your heart bore no love. It had the venom stored. There was never any love in your eyes. They burn me with caustic glance. I am sad that your corrosive name will always be the part of my identity that I carry with this face. Time will not come to my rescue. Every Thursday will remind me of you. You will hear and you will be told that the face you burned is the face I love now. You will hear about me in the darkness of confinement. The time will be burdened for you. Then you will know that I am alive, free and thriving and living my dreams.”
Laxmi was scarred by one of her friends’ brother, a 32 year-old man who grew angry with Laxmi after she refused several of his romantic advances. While she was waiting for a bus one day, he threw acid on her face. Now, having turned such devastation into something positive, she will begin touring the US to spread the message of gender equality and human rights.
The full video of the International Women of Courage Awards ceremony can be viewed here.
1 Comment
myself neelam rawat, from delhi….heads off to you laxmi… i i really admire your spirit.. you are a fighter.. i always want to join you in your campanion … i will be really grateful if i could join you in such a great task…