Laxmi, once known as the acid attack survivor, is now just Laxmi – a mother, a symbol of courage, hope and love for life. A motivational speaker and messenger for millions of social voices, she has inspired people and emphasised on the strength of inner beauty.
Laxmi was only 15 when she was attacked by her stalker with acid in 2005. He thought he will kill her dreams. Little did he know that she will bounce back and will strike a chord deep within people. As Laxmi says “Usne acid mere chehre par daala hai, sapnon par nahin” (He threw acid on my face, not on my dreams). Laxmi never stopped dreaming and today, she is synonymous with courage and beauty around the globe.
Laxmi received 2014 International Women of Courage award by US First Lady Michelle Obama. She was chosen as the NDTV Indian of the Year. She was also awarded by prestigious Mother Teresa Award in 2018. For her exemplary courage and contribution to society, she was honoured on the famous show – “India’s Next Superstar” – where her life story was portrayed through an act.
She has been invited by many corporates, schools, colleges and other institutions for motivational talks. Today, she is the face of several brands, including NIMAI’s new ‘Promise’ brand (a luxury fashion brand with a soul) and Viva N Diva (a clothing brand). She has challenged the stereotype by becoming the face of a fashion brand even after undergoing several reconstructive surgeries.
She has helped more than 100 victims of acid attacks all over India by providing assistance with treatment, legal aid, counselling and rehabilitation and becoming the face of the unprivileged acid attack surviving women in India.
She has now launched a new campaign “StopSaleAcid” to fight against the free sale of acid in India. More than twenty thousand persons have joined this campaign, which has been organised in more than six states till date i.e. Delhi, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Dehradun, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
